Ensalada Rusa Paraguaya

Name: Ensalada Rusa Paraguaya
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Paraguayan
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 3 carrots, peeled and diced; 1 cup green peas (frozen or canned); 2 medium beets, cooked and diced; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper; Parsley for garnish

Ensalada Rusa (ehn-sah-LAH-dah ROO-sah)

Paraguayan Russian Salad

⏱ Prep Time 20 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 218 kcal

Paraguay's version of Russian salad: diced potatoes, carrots, peas, and beets bound in creamy mayonnaise, served as the essential side at every asado and holiday table.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 4.0g

Carbs 28.0g

Fat 10.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

large pot mixing bowl knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: serving platter

Garnishes: parsley, olive oil drizzle

Accompaniments: asado, bread

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup green peas (frozen or canned)
2 medium beets, cooked and diced
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Parsley for garnish

Instructions

1
Boil potatoes and carrots separately until tender but not mushy. Drain and cool completely.
2
Cook peas briefly. Drain and cool.
3
Combine cooled potatoes, carrots, peas, and diced beets in a large bowl.
4
Add mayonnaise and lemon juice. Fold gently to combine without mashing the vegetables.
5
Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
6
Garnish with parsley before serving.

💡

Did You Know?

In Paraguay, the pink tint from beets is considered essential — an ensalada rusa without beets is viewed as suspiciously incomplete.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
mixing bowl
knife

Garnishing

parsley, olive oil drizzle

Accompaniments

asado, bread

The Story Behind Ensalada Rusa Paraguaya

Ensalada rusa arrived in Paraguay through European immigration and was adopted so enthusiastically that it became an inseparable companion to every asado. The Paraguayan version always includes beets, which give it a distinctive pink hue. It appears on every Christmas table, at every birthday party, and alongside every weekend barbecue.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed accompaniment to asado, holidays 📜 Origins: European immigrant influence, 20th century

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