Guilty salads

The center of Easter table is for sure kulich, paskha and meat dishes, salads are always a nice starter though. I decided to take it easy and make something simple, fast and enjoyable for everybody. Since the whole Easter celebrations this year were all about combining two different traditions the plan was to make the kid’s favorite macaroni salad and Russian (or rather Soviet) classics - Olivier salad (aka Russian salad). Yes, I know it is not fancy and back in Moscow I would be embarrassed to serve Russian salad for a special occasion but since my American family is new to it and never welcomed new year in with a giant basin of this stuff so I found it ok. Plus, I wanted to give the kids something they would definitely eat.

Olivier salad (aka Russian salad)

Ingredients: (serve 5-6)

• 11 oz (300 gr) meat (Options: boiled beef, chicken, bologna or even high quality dogs)
• 5 medium-sized potatoes
• 3 carrots
• ½ onion bulb
• 1 apple
• 4 eggs
• 2 pickles
• 15 oz can of sweet peas
• 5 tbs mayonnaise
• salt, pepper

Directions:

1. Boil meat if necessary. Let it cool down.
2. Boil potatoes and carrots. (Note: I like doing it the day before and let the boiled veggies sit overnight in the fridge. Warm stuff in this salad is no comments.)
3. Chop meat and all vegetables and peeled apple into equal size cubes.
4. In a large mixing bowl combine all the stuff together. Mix well. 
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add mayonnaise and mix well.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Macaroni salad

Ingredients: (serve 5-6)

• 1 pack salad macaroni or any other small pasta noodles (like elbows)
• ½ onion bulb
• 3 celery stalks

Dressing:

• 3 tbs mayonnaise
• ¼ cup white distilled vinegar
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 tbs mustard

Directions:

1. Cook pasta noodles according to directions on the package (do not overcook). Let them cool down. 
2. In a small jar combine all the dressing ingredients, cover and shake well.
3. Stir in the dressing and mix well. (Note: You may want to add more mayonnaise before serving). 
4. You salad is ready. Enjoy!