Name: “OLIVIER” SALAD ON THE OLD NEW YEAR
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 can green peas; 3 hard boiled eggs; 1 cooked chicken breast or 200 g of Bologna sausage; 3 pickled cucumbers; 2 boiled carrots; 3 boiled potatoes; 100 g mayonnaise; 1 onion; 100 g sour cream; 1 tbsp cooking oil

As the Old New Year approaches, a beloved tradition takes center stage on Moldovan dinner tables—the iconic “Olivier” salad. This culinary gem, with its roots deep in Soviet-era nostalgia, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Moldovans, especially during the festivities of Sf. Vasile on January 14th.

The allure of “Olivier” lies not only in its delicious blend of flavors but also in its adaptability. Each household has its own unique twist on the classic recipe, resulting in a diverse array of interpretations across the country. From the size of the diced ingredients to the choice of pickles and meat, every detail contributes to the distinct character of this beloved dish.

In the spirit of tradition, here’s a recipe that captures the essence of “Olivier” as it’s made in many Moldovan homes:

AuthorNata AlbotCategorySaladsDifficultyBeginner

Yields1 Serving

Prep Time30 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time45 mins

1 can green peas

3 hard boiled eggs

1 cooked chicken breast or 200 g of Bologna sausage

3 pickled cucumbers

2 boiled carrots

3 boiled potatoes

100 g mayonnaise

1 onion

100 g sour cream

1 tbsp cooking oil

Dice the carrots, potatoes, pickles, eggs and chicken breast.

Mince the onion.

Add some cooking oil to the potatoes to prevent them sticking together.

Add the rest of the ingredients over the potatoes and stir in the mayonnaise (homemade is the best choice) and the sour cream. The mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream gives a creamier consistency to the salad. Although many prefer to use Bologna sausage, my mother always substituted the sausage for chicken breast.

Ingredients