Russian Salad, courtesy of Spain

On my day off last week, I was pining for something fresh but filling. And as it's FINALLY starting to seem like summer, I thought potato salad would be a nice idea. But not just any 'ole potato salad (the kind with no taste and too much mayo? yeah, not that type). This is a tried-and-true, absolutely delicious staple from the days when I lived in Spain (1,825+ days, fyi).

See, in Spain, they do things different. Spain is different. España es diferente. And one of the simplest and ubiquitous "tapas" or "raciones" you can order, especially in the summer, is "ensaladilla rusa". Literally, this translates to "little Russian salad".

"What's Russian about it?" you ask? Nothing! But that's what it's called, so just go with it. Pate and brie on baguette, people. Go with it.

This recipe is super easy to make, especially if you use frozen mixed vegetables (which 99% of the Spanish population uses, so don't feel bad about taking this shortcut). And this is the basic, traditional recipe:

The ingredients:

• 3-4 yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  
• 3-4 cups of a mix of: peas, cubed carrots, string beans, corn
• 1/4 c. mayo
• 1 T lemon juice
  
• 1 can of tuna packed in olive oil.
  
• 2 hard boiled eggs
• salt/pepper
• 1 chicken or veggie bullion cube *optional
  

Boil a big pot of water, add the optional bullion cube, and add the potatoes. Cook about 5-6 minutes, then add the frozen or fresh vegetables. Continue to boil for another 5-8 minutes, until everything is tender (but ideally, not mushy. mushy is bad).

Strain the veggies and potatoes, put in a bowl and let cool.

Cut the hard boiled eggs into chunks (I like to cut in half cross-wise, then in quarters). Add to vegetables, and stir. Add drained tuna, mayo and lemon juice. Mix well, season with salt and pepper.

Refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve!

**Alternatives:

• Add 1 T. each of chopped fresh basil and parsley before serving.
• Add 1 T. dijon mustard
• Substitute crab or surimi for the tuna.

This can last for a few days in the fridge, is easy to make, and as you all know, a big crowd pleaser.

Oh, and listen to this while you make it. It'll kick up your summer a notch or two:

amaral - son mis amigos - Publimetro
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Vídeo de pmaldacena