Classic Winter Salad Olivier with Sausage and Apple is a delightful and hearty dish that captures the essence of comfort food during chilly months. This traditional salad hails from Eastern Europe and is often enjoyed at festive occasions, making it a perfect addition to your winter gatherings. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tender potatoes, and the slight sweetness of apples makes this salad not only tasty but also visually appealing. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate fresh ingredients while indulging in flavorful bites.
What You’ll Need for Classic Winter Salad Olivier with Sausage and Apple
To prepare this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 400 g cooked sausage (or ham, cooked chicken, beef tongue, or red fish)
- 2 medium potatoes (about 14 oz)
- 1 medium carrot (about 3 oz)
- 1 apple (ideally green and sweet-tart)
- 3 eggs
- 300 g pickles (about 10.5 oz, you can use fresh if preferred)
- 200 g green peas (about 7 oz)
- 0.5 onion (soaked in boiling water to remove bitterness)
- 150 g mayonnaise (or sour cream, Greek yogurt)
Step-by-Step Classic Winter Salad Olivier with Sausage and Apple Recipe
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Prep the Ingredients: Wash the apples thoroughly and choose a quality sausage. Also, clean the carrot and potatoes.
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Cook the Vegetables: Boil the potatoes and carrot in their skins until tender. You can also roast them if you prefer that flavor. Once done, let them cool completely.
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Boil the Eggs: Cook the eggs hard-boiled; this usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
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Prepare the Onion: Peel the onion, chop it finely, and soak it in boiling water for 10 minutes to reduce its pungency. Drain well.
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Chop the Sausage: Cut the sausage into medium cubes.
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Dice the Vegetables and Fruits: Peel and chop the boiled potatoes and carrot into cubes that match the size of the sausage. Drain the pickles and cut them into cubes. Core the apple and chop it into medium cubes.
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Mix It All Together: In a large bowl, combine the sausage, potatoes, eggs (chopped), carrot, pickles, onion, and apple.
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Add the Peas: Gently fold in the green peas for extra color and texture.
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Dress It Up: Season the salad with mayonnaise (or your chosen dressing) and mix everything until well combined. The salad is now ready!
How to Serve Classic Winter Salad Olivier with Sausage and Apple
This salad looks fantastic on a platter or in a large bowl. To serve, you can scoop generous portions onto individual plates for your guests. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, for a pop of color. Pair this salad with crusty bread and a light soup for a complete winter meal. It’s also great for potlucks as it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
Helpful Tricks for Classic Winter Salad Olivier with Sausage and Apple
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Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to swap in different types of cooked meats or add more veggies like bell peppers or corn for a twist on the classic recipe.
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Make It a Meal: Serve this salad as a light lunch with a side of whole grain crackers or use it as a filling for pita pockets.
Classic Winter Salad Olivier with Sausage and Apple FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of meat in the salad?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute with cooked chicken, ham, or even skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
Q: How long can I store the salad?
A: The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: What’s the best way to make this salad vegan?
A: Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and use chickpeas instead of sausage for protein.
Give Classic Winter Salad Olivier with Sausage and Apple a try this chilly season. It’s a delightful way to warm your heart and share comfort with friends and family! Enjoy!