Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Share My Kitchen
Jarzynowa or polish vegetable salad is a staple dish in Polish cuisine, and everybody has their own way of making it. This is a delicious version of the Russian salad or Polish potato salad and it is pyszne (delicious!)!
How did the Polish Vegetable Salad come about?
Lucien Olivier, a Belgian-born Russian chef, made this salad as a centerpiece in his Moscow restaurant Hermitage in the 19th century. However, he refused to share the recipe with anyone. According to legend, his assistant Ivan Ivanov entered the kitchen to inspect the preparation, then he sold the recipe around.
The original ingredients of the “Olivier Salad” included hazel grouses, smoked duck, fish, tongues, crayfish, capers, caviar, pickles, and Provencal-style sauce.
The oldest vegetable salad recipe dates from 1894. It uses completely different ingredients than the current one.
The popularity of vegetable salad in Poland rose during the time of the Polish People’s Republic. It was served in every part of the country in the ’60s,’70s, or ’80s.
Nowadays, it’s also known as a Potato Salad, Vegetable Salad, Russian Salad, or Trash Salad.
The Salatka Jarzynowa may be served on many occasions, or even without occasion. However, it’s commonly associated with Easter.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can use vegan mayonnaise and eliminate the eggs to make the salad vegan.
Recipe Tips for Jarzynowa Polish Vegetable Salad
- For best results, use low-starch potatoes
- You may leave the potatoes unpeeled since they are delicious and provide more nutrients.
- Cut the vegetables, eggs, and potatoes into very small cubes.
- You may serve with slices of crispy, buttered toast.
- While salatka jarzynowa is traditionally vegetarian, you can add chopped ham or salami to make a meatier potato salad. You can also serve it with fried kielbasa sausages.
- Season with salt and pepper, as needed.
- This creamy Polish potato salad can be served with potato pancakes, koptyka, or Polish City Chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can omit the eggs and replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo made from soy milk. Soy milk is an emulsifier, and makes a rich mayo.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can remove the eggs and substitute the mayonnaise with eggless, soy milk mayo to make this salad vegetarian.
Can I make the Polish vegetable salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Polish vegetable salad up to 24 hours ahead of time. Then, store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Can I store leftover Salatka Jarzynowa in the refrigerator?
Yes, you can keep leftover Polish vegetable salad in your refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, before storing, transfer it to an airtight container.
Can I make the Jarzynowa salad less fattening?
This Jarzynowa salad is less fattening if you substitute half of the mayo with a flavorless yogurt.
What is the difference between Russian salad and Stolichny salad?
The Stolichny Salad is Ivan Ivanov’s form of the Olivier Salad or Russian salad. This version uses smoked or boiled chicken in place of other meats included in the Russian salad.
Polish Vegetable Salad Recipe
| PREP TIME | 15 minutes |
| COOK TIME | 15 minutes |
| ADDITIONAL TIME | 20 minutes |
| TOTAL TIME | 50 minutes |
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes
- 1 apple
- 2 carrots
- 3 pickles
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 can of peas
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
Instructions
- First, peel and boil carrots and potatoes. At the same time, boil eggs.
- After everything has cooled down, chop all ingredients (except from the peas) into small cubes.
- Then, combine everything, and mix in mayonnaise and salt.
- Allow it to cool in the fridge before you start eating.
Notes
A few drops of lemon juice or apple vinegar can be added. You can also substitute half the mayonnaise with thick plain yogurt if you prefer a lighter version.
