Traditional Olivier (Olivye) Salad
Olivier salad is one of the most iconic holiday dishes across Eastern Europe and a staple at countless Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarusian family gatherings, especially during Christmas, Easter, and New Year celebrations. Creamy, tangy, hearty, and incredibly comforting, it’s the kind of salad that almost always disappears first from the table.
Many people would argue it tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge overnight. Rich yet simple, Olivier salad can be served as part of a festive spread or enjoyed as a satisfying meal on its own.
We retested this recipe in May 2026 and updated it with new photos and a detailed step-by-step video tutorial to make the process even easier to follow at home.
Despite its legendary status, Olivier salad is made from surprisingly humble ingredients which is proof that some of the world’s most beloved comfort foods are also the simplest.
Traditional Olivier (Olivye) Salad
Ingredients
- 2 carrots
- 3 sour pickles
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 can peas
- 3 slices good quality ham
- 2 potatoes
- 4 eggs
- mayonnaise (homemade preferred)
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
How to Make Olivier Salad:
- Boil the potatoes, carrots, and eggs.
- Chop all the ingredients, both boiled and raw, into fairly uniform small cubes (except for the peas).
- Mix all the ingredients together well. Add the mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- You can vary the quantities based on personal preference. Make sure you balance them out well, like in this recipe, i.e., if you want a double amount, double all the ingredients listed in this recipe.
Notes
Related: Potato Varenyky: Ukrainian Potato Dumplings
Related: Traditional Ukrainian Borscht with Chicken
Related: Syrniki with Blueberries
Related: Authentic Napoleon Cake With Homemade Puff Pastry
Related: Strawberry Pierogi (Varenyky)
