Insalata Russa
Insalata Russa, or Italian Russian Salad, is a beloved party staple featuring finely diced potatoes, carrots, peas, and pickles suspended in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It's a refreshing and satisfying cold salad perfect for gatherings and holidays.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 Potatoes(medium-sized, starchy variety like Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 Carrots(medium-sized)
- 150 g Frozen peas
- 100 g Dill pickles(finely diced, preferably cornichons or other crisp, tangy pickles)
- 300 g Mayonnaise(good quality, full-fat mayonnaise)
- 2 tbsp Capers(drained and roughly chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the root vegetables: Peel the potatoes and carrots. Cut them into uniform 1 cm (approx. 1/2 inch) cubes. Place the cubed potatoes and carrots in separate saucepans, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt to each. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until fork-tender but not mushy. For potatoes, this is typically 15-20 minutes. For carrots, about 10-15 minutes. Drain them thoroughly and let them cool completely on a baking sheet or plate to prevent further cooking and excess moisture.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 2
Cook the peas: While the root vegetables are cooking or cooling, bring a small pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately drain the peas and plunge them into a bowl of ice water (or rinse under cold running water) to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Drain them very well once cooled.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled, diced potatoes, carrots, and peas. Add the finely diced pickles and the chopped capers. Add the mayonnaise, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently fold everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the mayonnaise. Be careful not to overmix, which can break down the vegetables.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Chill and serve: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. This step is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can serve Insalata Russa directly from the bowl, or for a more elegant presentation, unmold it onto a serving platter or into individual ramekins. Garnish with extra capers or a sprig of parsley if desired.
⏱️ 2 hours (minimum chilling time)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Uniform dicing is key for even cooking and a pleasing texture.
- ✓Ensure all vegetables are completely cooled before mixing with mayonnaise to prevent the mayo from becoming oily or separating.
- ✓Chilling the salad for several hours is essential for the flavors to meld and develop.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise.
- ✓Drain pickles and capers very well to avoid making the salad watery.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add 1 can (drained) of tuna for a heartier version.
- Incorporate cooked and cooled shrimp, chopped, for a seafood twist.
- Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill or parsley for extra freshness.