With the New Year fast approaching, Russians are preparing for their festive meals, and traditional salads play a pivotal role. Survey results indicate the continued popularity of classic dishes, allowing families to honor their culinary customs. Leading the pack is the Olivier salad, with 83% of respondents indicating they will whip it up for the holiday.
The Olivier salad, originating from the French inventor Lucien Olivier’s 1860s recipe, is renowned for its combination of chopped potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, onions, eggs, and either chicken or bologna—often mixed with delightfully creamy mayonnaise. A significant portion of the population still clings to this nostalgic dish as it evokes memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.
“Olivier will be prepared by 83% of respondents,” reported Gazeta.ru on December 27, 2024. Following closely is the herring under fur coat, or “Selyodka pod shuboy,” favored by 74% of the surveyed. This layered salad made using pickled herring, onions, carrots, and potatoes topped with mayonnaise and beetroot is another staple on many Russian holiday tables. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, bearing vibrant colors through its layers.
Completing the trio of popular dishes is the crab salad, with over 50% of respondents indicating they would prepare it. This salad typically consists of imitation crab meat, corn, and eggs dressed with mayonnaise—a crowd-pleaser among many.
Experts suggest incorporating lighter, healthier alternatives to these heavy salads. Natalia Nikulnikova, from the North-Caucasus Federal University, provides solid advice on how to prepare these festive favorites without overwhelming the stomach.
“The traditionally served salads are often laden with mayonnaise. To improve their healthfulness, it's wise to either make your own mayonnaise using olive oil or to swap mayonnaise out entirely for yogurt, pesto, or mustard,” she advises.
Among the alternatives to the traditional fare, new contenders are gaining traction. Salads such as Pomegranate bracelet and Imperial salad are being considered by many diners wanting to spice up their New Year’s spread. These dishes often feature fresh fruits and vegetables, enticingly colorful and packed with nutrients.
Nutritionists recommend maintaining balance during the celebratory meals. “Don’t mix fresh and fermented vegetables at the same meal,” cautions Nikulnikova, highlighting the importance of digestion. She suggests starting the meal with lighter fare to allow the body to adjust to heavier dishes gradually.
On the financial front, the economic impact of preparing these salads cannot be overlooked. According to analysts from the grocery network Pyaterochka, making herring under fur coat is the most budget-friendly option. The average cost of ingredients for this dish hovers around 138 rubles per kilogram—less than half the price of Olivier salad. Using house brands can drastically cut costs, resulting in savings of up to 30% on total ingredient price.
The price variations draw attention across different regions, with the cheapest components available to those located in the Volga and Southern parts of Russia. For example, if made with house brands, residents of the Eastern Federal District can prepare Olivier salad for as low as 311 rubles, significantly reducing expenditure.
Yet, as indulgence is part of the New Year tradition, experts encourage families to enjoy their holiday meals without excessive guilt. They remind the public to focus on portion size to avoid feeling weighed down post-celebration.
Of course, consumers are also increasingly opting for pre-made salads, both to save time and as part of the modern convenience trend. Grocery chains now offer various ready-made options, particularly appealing to younger generations who may lack the time or inclination to cook during the frenzied lead-up to the holiday.
While veteran chefs and cooking aficionados might find joy chopping and mixing traditional recipes, there’s also liberation found among those who discover healthy and simpler approaches to enjoying New Year’s salads.
The ultimate goal when gathering around the table is to celebrate the joys of family and friendship, with good food at the heart of it.
So whether you stick with the nostalgic Olivier, indulge in creamy herring under fur coat, or venture to include innovative salads among your spread, the essence of the New Year remains—delight and togetherness.
