A salada russa, na sua versão polaca, é um prato indispensável em qualquer celebração ou festa de família na Polónia. Conhecida localmente como sałatka jarzynowa, esta salada de vegetais é a definição de comida de conforto: cremosa, saborosa e incrivelmente versátil. Cada família tem a sua própria versão, mas a base de batata cozida, cenoura, ovos e ervilhas, unida por um molho de maionese e mostarda, é um clássico intemporal.

Ingredientes

  • 2 medias batatas cozidas / descascadas
  • 4 ovos cozidos
  • 2 cenouras cozidas
  • 1 talo de aipo (opcional)
  • 1 maçã (opcional)
  • 2 pickles endro (opcional)
  • 2 xícaras de ervilhas verdes (frescas ou enlatadas)
  • 3 colheres de sopa de mostarda polaca
  • 0,5 – 1 xícara de maionese (dependendo do sabor)
  • Sal e pimenta

Preparação

  1. Corte todos os legumes / frutas em pequenos cubos
  2. Adicione mostarda, maionese, sal e pimenta e misture. Não há quantidade certa para esses ingredientes e tudo depende do sabor. Algumas pessoas gostam muito de maionese, outras gostam menos. Além disso, pickles, aipo e maçã são opcionais e, novamente, dependem do sabor. Minha mãe às vezes acrescenta presunto a essa receita, embora eu pessoalmente goste mais de vegetariana.
  3. Esta salada é muito versátil e sabe bem com qualquer coisa – carnes, batatas, massas, perogies, até caril!

Ready to bring a taste of Polish home-style cooking to your table? Here’s the recipe in English.

Polish Vegetable Salad (Sałatka Jarzynowa)

Often referred to as a “Russian Salad,” this Polish Vegetable Salad, or sałatka jarzynowa, is a true icon of Polish cuisine. You’ll find it at every conceivable celebration, from Christmas and Easter feasts to family birthdays and name day parties. It’s a classic dish that embodies home-style comfort, with its creamy texture and a satisfying mix of finely diced vegetables.

The beauty of this salad lies in its complete adaptability. The core ingredients are typically boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, and hard-boiled eggs, all brought together with a mayonnaise and mustard dressing. However, the “optional” ingredients are what truly define a family’s personal recipe. A crisp, tart apple can add a wonderful sweetness and crunch, while dill pickles provide a sharp, tangy counterpoint. As the recipe notes, some even add diced ham for a heartier, non-vegetarian version.

The key to a great sałatka jarzynowa is dicing all the ingredients to a uniform, small size—roughly the size of a pea. This ensures that you get a perfect mix of flavours and textures in every single spoonful. Don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing to your liking; the ratio of mayonnaise to mustard is a matter of personal taste, so start with a little and add more until you find the balance you love.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium potatoes, boiled and peeled
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs
  • 2 carrots, boiled
  • 1 celery stalk (optional)
  • 1 apple (optional)
  • 2 dill pickles (optional)
  • 2 cups green peas (fresh or canned)
  • 3 tbsp Polish-style mustard
  • 1/2 to 1 cup mayonnaise (depending on your taste)
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Finely dice all the vegetables, fruits, and hard-boiled eggs into small, uniform cubes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the diced ingredients with the peas. Add the mustard, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Remember that there’s no exact amount for the dressing ingredients; it all depends on your personal preference. Some people like it very creamy with lots of mayonnaise, while others prefer less. Start with less and add more as needed.
  3. Mix everything together gently until well combined. This salad is incredibly versatile and tastes great with almost anything—serve it alongside meats, potatoes, pasta, or even as a filling for sandwiches.