Ensalada Rusa (Spanish Potato Salad)

Learn how to make Ensalada Rusa – the Spanish version of the Russian Salad. It’s creamy, satiating and very easy to make.

Ensalada Rusa Recipe - Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo friendly potato salad.
 

I should be posting a recipe for the original Russian potato salad (also known as Olivier or Debev) –  especially since I’ve eaten it since I was about 2 years old – but I am actually sharing a Spanish adaptation instead.  The Spaniards call it simply Ensalada Rusa (Russian Salad), however, they make it slightly differently. They add tuna! Yep. Stay with me.

What Is Ensalada Rusa?

I first came across Ensalada Rusa at a local tapas bar in one of the small towns I visited on one of our climbing trips. I saw it on the bar display and I knew what the name meant, but I couldn’t get my head around the tuna part.

I’ve never heard of tuna in a Russian salad. Yet here it was, in all its potato and tuna and mayonnaise glory, staring right at me. So I tried it. And guess what? I absolutely loved it.

This is a hearty salad made with white potatoes (see possible modifications below), creamy mayo dressing, cooked carrots, egg, olives, and gherkins. I also like to add a little green apple, but that’s totally optional. And, of course, it has very good quality canned tuna.

Spanish do canned tuna really well and I think that’s one of the reasons their version tastes so good. So don’t skimp on the tuna! Make sure to get sustainably caught stuff, or feel free to use wild canned salmon instead.

 

Ensalada Rusa Without Fish

The Spanish potato salad often features tuna. The traditional Russian version of this salad is actually made with diced-up ham or kielbasa. So, if you’re not a vegetarian but simply don’t like fish, feel free to use about 200-250 grams/ 0.25 lbs. of cooked meat or chicken instead of tuna/salmon.

For a vegetarian version, I recommend using canned chickpeas instead.

Substitute for white potatoes

Use swedes, parsnips or sweet potato instead of white potato. I like swedes as they are not as sweet. Omit the eggs and dress with olive oil and lemon juice dressing instead.

This salad keeps well in the fridge so you can make an extra-large batch for lunches. Store for up to 3 days. This is a great batch cooking recipe, an excellent lunch box option.

Can’t find good quality mayonnaise? Try making your own with this recipe. 

 

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Ensalada Rusa - Spanish Take On A Classic Potato Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Author: Irena Macri
Servings: 4
Course: Side or Main
Cuisine: Spanish
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Calories: 460kcal
This is a hearty salad made with white potatoes (see possible modifications below), creamy mayo dressing, cooked carrots, egg, olives, and gherkins. I also like to add a little green apple, but that’s totally optional. And, of course, it has very good quality canned tuna.

Ingredients 

  • 700 g white potatoes 1.3 lbs. peeled, or swedes for AIP
  • 1 large carrot cut in half
  • 2 eggs
  • 300 g canned tuna or salmon, 0.6 lb.
  • ¼ cup diced gherkins or dill pickles, capers can also be used
  • ½ Granny Smith apple or other green apple, diced finely
  • 10 green olives or Spanish black olives, sliced (pitted)
  • Generous pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup diced spring onions chives or dill (optional)

Instructions

  • Peel the potatoes (or swedes) and cut into quarters. Add to a large saucepan together with the carrot halves and two eggs. Fill up with water until just covered and bring to boil. Cover with a lid and cook 10 minutes. Then remove the eggs and the carrots; continue to cook potatoes for a further 3-5 minutes, until just tender. Allow the vegetables to cool down almost completely. Strain the eggs under cold water to make peeling easier.
  • In the meantime, prepare the mayonnaise if you’re making your own.
  • Peel and dice the cooked carrots and eggs. Dice the potatoes. Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir well together. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 670mg | Potassium: 997mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3261IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 3mg
Keywords: Appetizers, potato salad, potatoes, Vegetarian
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Ensalada Rusa Recipe - Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo friendly potato salad.
Irena Macri
By Irena Macri

About the author: Hi, I’m Irena Macri. I share delicious recipes that I have cooked and loved. I am a published cookbook author, have been food blogging for over 10 years and have a Diploma in Nutrition. You will find many healthy recipes as well as my favourite comfort food. More about me here | Subscribe to my newsletter and freebies

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