Russian Salad Recipe

🥔 Russian Salad Recipe: Creamy Spanish Ensaladilla Rusa Made the Traditional Way

If there is one cold tapa that instantly feels like a true classic in Spain, it has to be this delicious Russian salad recipe. Known in Spain as ensaladilla rusa, this creamy potato salad is one of the most loved dishes in bars, family tables, and summer gatherings. It is simple, comforting, and full of that homemade flavour that makes traditional Spanish food so special.

What makes a great Russian salad recipe stand out is the texture. The potatoes should be tender but not mushy, the vegetables soft but still pleasant to bite, and the mayonnaise creamy enough to bring everything together without making the salad too heavy. In Spain, every family has its own version of Russian salad recipe, but the traditional homemade style always has something extra: it tastes richer, fresher, and far more satisfying than anything store-bought.

If you love classic Spanish tapas and homemade comfort food, this Russian salad recipe pairs beautifully with favourites like Spanish Omelette Recipe or crispy Croquetas Recipe. It is the kind of dish that works as a tapa, a starter, a light meal, or part of a bigger Spanish spread.

Today I’ll show you how to make a traditional Russian salad recipe step by step, with potatoes, vegetables, tuna, eggs, and mayonnaise, just like a proper homemade ensaladilla rusa should be.

⏱️ Time Table

🛒 Ingredients for This Russian Salad Recipe

• 700 g potatoes
• 2 carrots
• 100 g peas, fresh or frozen
• 3 eggs
• 2 cans of tuna in olive oil, drained
• 150 g mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 6 to 8 green olives, chopped or sliced, optional
• Roasted red pepper strips, optional, for garnish

This Russian salad recipe uses simple ingredients, but the final flavour depends on getting the balance right. Good potatoes, properly cooked vegetables, quality tuna, and a creamy dressing are what make a homemade Russian salad recipe so satisfying.

👨‍🍳 How to Make Russian Salad Recipe Step by Step

1️⃣ Cook the potatoes and carrots

Place the potato chunks and diced carrots in a large pot with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender but not falling apart, usually around 12 to 15 minutes. The vegetables for this Russian salad recipe should be soft enough to mash slightly when mixed, but they should still keep some shape for the best texture.

2️⃣ Cook the peas and eggs

Add the peas to boiling water and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. In another small saucepan, boil the eggs for about 10 minutes, then cool them under cold water and peel them. A good Russian salad recipe always has that lovely mix of vegetables, egg, and creamy dressing.

3️⃣ Drain and cool everything well

Drain the potatoes, carrots, and peas thoroughly and let them cool. Chop two of the boiled eggs and keep one aside for garnish if you like. Cooling the ingredients properly is important in any Russian salad recipe, because warm potatoes can make the mayonnaise too loose and heavy.

4️⃣ Mix the salad base

Place the cooked potatoes, carrots, peas, chopped eggs, and drained tuna in a large bowl. Add the chopped olives if using. Drizzle in the olive oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Gently mix the base of the Russian salad recipe so the ingredients combine without turning into a puree.

5️⃣ Add the mayonnaise

Add the mayonnaise gradually and fold it through the mixture until everything is creamy and evenly coated. Do not add too much at once. The best Russian salad recipe should be creamy and rich, but still let the potatoes, tuna, and vegetables keep their character.

6️⃣ Chill before serving

Cover the bowl and chill the Russian salad recipe in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This resting time helps the flavours settle and gives the salad that proper cold tapa texture that makes ensaladilla rusa so enjoyable.

7️⃣ Garnish and serve

Before serving, top the salad with slices of the reserved boiled egg, a few olives, or strips of roasted red pepper if you like. Serve this Russian salad recipe cold, with bread, crackers, or as part of a larger tapas spread.

🥄 Nutritional Information

✨ Tips for the Best Russian Salad Recipe

• Do not overcook the potatoes: needs soft potatoes, but not watery or mushy ones.
• Cool the vegetables before adding mayonnaise: this keeps the Russian salad recipe creamy instead of greasy or loose.
• Use good quality tuna: it makes a big difference in the flavour of a homemade Russian salad recipe.
• Add mayonnaise gradually: you want a creamy texture, not an overly heavy salad.
• Serve it chilled: this Russian salad recipe tastes much better cold after resting in the fridge.

❓FAQ About

What is Russian salad made of?

A traditional Russian salad recipe is usually made with potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, tuna, and mayonnaise. In Spain, this dish is known as ensaladilla rusa and is often served as a cold tapa, especially during warmer months or as part of a family meal.

Why is it called Russian salad recipe in Spain?

The name Russian salad recipe comes from the original salad that became popular in Europe many years ago, but the Spanish version has developed its own identity. In Spain, ensaladilla rusa is a very traditional tapa and is often made in a simple homemade way with tuna, vegetables, and mayonnaise.

Can I make Russian salad ahead of time?

Yes, this Russian salad recipe is actually better when made a little ahead because chilling helps the flavours settle. You can prepare it a few hours in advance or even the day before, then garnish it just before serving for the best presentation.

What do you serve with Russian salad?

A Russian salad recipe is often served cold with bread, crackers, or as part of a tapas table. It goes very well with other Spanish favourites and works beautifully as a starter, a light lunch, or a side dish for summer meals.

🍽️ A Classic Spanish Tapa That Never Fails

This Russian salad recipe is one of those dishes that proves simple ingredients can create something incredibly comforting and delicious. Creamy, fresh, and full of traditional flavour, it is easy to see why ensaladilla rusa remains such a classic in Spanish homes and bars.

If you enjoy learning more about traditional Spanish food culture, this guide to traditional Spanish cuisine is a lovely extra read and fits perfectly with the spirit behind this homemade Russian salad recipe.