Ensalada Rusa | Russian Potato Salad

When it comes to Dominican culture, the go-to potato salad is the classic Ensalada Rusa. For my non-Spanish readers, Ensalada Rusa translates to Russian potato salad, which is originally from Russia. This staple side dish is made for all major holidays and family get-togethers, like Christmas. There are many variations of potato salad, but this one is pink because of the beets. I know a lot of people look at this potato salad in shock, but its taste is so well balanced that it pleases even the pickiest of eaters.

Recipe from Scratch

• 1 Lb of Potatoes
• 3 Boiled Eggs
• 1 Beet (medium)
• 1 Red Onion (medium)
• 2 Carrots
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup mayo
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. The first step is to peel and dice all of your potatoes, beets, carrots, and red onion. You want the potato salad to be easy to eat, so make sure the potatoes are cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
2. You want to boil like-kind vegetables to keep things simple and neat. I personally boil the potatoes and eggs together, then the beets on their own, and lastly boil the corn, peas, and carrots together.
3. Allow everything cools down, don’t forget to dice up the boiled eggs.
4. You can fold all of the ingredients together, including the mayo, diced onions, and salt and pepper to taste. The potato salad will start to turn pink, please don’t mix it up too much or it will turn into mashed potatoes.
5. To add another layer of taste you can add a small diced apple or even some raisin. This isn’t as traditional, but it will definitely add some character to your Russian Potato Salad.

Mom Hack Recipe

• 1 Lb of Potatoes
• 3 Boiled Eggs
• 1 can of mixed veggies (corn, carrots, peas)
• 1 can of cubed beets
• 1 red onion (medium)
• 1/2 cup of mayo
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Mom Hack Directions

1. First, just like above, you want to peel and dice your potatoes and onions. Since you will be using canned mixed veggies and diced canned beets you can now skip that step.
2. You want to boil like-kind ingredients like the potatoes and eggs. To keep everything neat I still recommend boiling the mixed veggies and beets separate.
3. Once everything cools down peel and dice up the boiled eggs.
4. Fold all the ingredients and make sure you add salt and pepper to taste.