Ensaladilla Rusa
A classic Spanish potato salad, Ensaladilla Rusa, features tender diced vegetables and flaked tuna bound together with creamy mayonnaise. It's a staple in Spanish tapas bars and a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes(Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape when cooked.)
- 2 medium Carrots(About 150-200g total.)
- 100 g Frozen peas(Or fresh peas if in season.)
- 1 can (approx. 150g drained weight) Tuna(Good quality canned tuna in olive oil, drained well.)
- 200 ml Mayonnaise(Full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. Adjust amount to your preference.)
- 2 large Hard-boiled eggs(Optional, but traditional. Cooked and cooled.)
- 50 g Green olives(Pitted, for mixing in and garnish. Roughly chopped.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Peel the potatoes and carrots. Cut the potatoes into roughly 1.5 cm (about 0.6 inch) cubes. Cut the carrots into similar-sized cubes. Place the potato cubes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender but not mushy. Add the carrot cubes to the same pot during the last 5-7 minutes of the potato cooking time, or cook them separately until tender. Drain both vegetables thoroughly and let them cool completely on a baking sheet or large plate to prevent them from steaming and becoming waterlogged.
⏱️ 25 minutes (cooking) + 20 minutes (cooling) - 2
Cook the peas: If using frozen peas, cook them in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until tender and bright green. Alternatively, if using fresh peas, cook for 3-5 minutes. Drain the peas immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Drain well.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Prepare the other ingredients: If using hard-boiled eggs, peel them and dice them into small pieces. Drain the canned tuna very well, breaking it up into flakes with a fork. Roughly chop the pitted green olives.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled diced potatoes, carrots, cooked peas, flaked tuna, diced hard-boiled eggs (if using), and chopped olives. Be careful not to mash the potatoes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Dress the salad: Add the mayonnaise to the bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently fold everything together until the vegetables and tuna are evenly coated with mayonnaise. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. The consistency should be creamy but not overly wet.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Chill and serve: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. Before serving, garnish with a few whole or sliced olives, and perhaps some extra chopped parsley if desired. Serve cold.
⏱️ Minimum 1 hour chilling
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure all cooked vegetables are completely cool before mixing with mayonnaise to prevent the mayo from becoming oily or separating.
- ✓Dice all vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces for an appealing presentation and consistent texture.
- ✓Chilling the Ensaladilla Rusa for at least 1-2 hours is crucial for the flavors to develop and the salad to reach the optimal serving temperature.
- ✓For a lighter version, you can use a reduced-fat mayonnaise or a mixture of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
- ✓Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, and mayonnaise) just before serving, as flavors can change after chilling.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cooked and cooled shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Include finely diced red bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and color.
- Mix in some capers for a briny kick.
- Omit the tuna for a vegetarian version.