Olivye – Ukrainian Potato Salad (Olivier)

This traditional Ukrainian Olivye salad features diced ham, boiled potatoes, carrots, eggs, and pickles mixed with creamy mayonnaise and fresh herbs. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, and potlucks, this classic potato salad recipe offers a rich blend of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and customizable, it makes a great side dish or light meal option for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ham, diced
• 3 medium potatoes
• 4 medium carrots
• 15 oz peas, drained
• 5 boiled eggs
• 5 medium-large pickles (Vlasic recommended), diced
• 1/3 cup green onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise, or to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, boil whole, unpeeled potatoes and carrots for about 30 minutes, or until a knife slides in easily. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
2. In a separate pot, place eggs in cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat, cover, and let sit on the burner for 15 minutes. Transfer eggs to cold water to cool.
3. Once cooled, peel the potatoes, carrots, and eggs. For easier peeling, make a lengthwise slit in the carrots and peel around them.
4. Dice the ham, potatoes, carrots, pickles, and eggs into small, even cubes (about pea-sized).
5. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, carrots, pickles, eggs, green onions, dill, and mayonnaise. Mix well. Adjust mayo, salt, and pepper to your preference.
6. Gently fold in the peas last to avoid crushing them.
7. Taste and modify with extra pickles, onion, or mayo as desired — this recipe is easy to customize!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Eastern European Favorite: A traditional salad with a rich history and comforting flavors.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Great as a side dish for holidays, picnics, and family meals.
• Customizable: Easily adjusted to fit your taste with extra crunch or creaminess.

Tips

• Use firm, waxy potatoes to hold their shape after boiling.
• Chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
• Dice ingredients uniformly for the best texture and presentation.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or even boiled sausage.
• For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo.
• Add diced apples or celery for a fresh twist.
• Use fresh or frozen peas if canned aren’t available.

FAQs

Can I prepare Olivye ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

Is this salad served cold or room temperature?
It’s best served chilled.

Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ham and add more vegetables or chickpeas for protein.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side with grilled meats or sandwiches.
• Use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
• Garnish with extra dill or chopped green onions for a fresh look.

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