Spanish Potato Salad:

If you love bold flavors and vibrant colors on your plate, this recipe for Spanish potato salad is a must-try. Unlike the creamy American-style potato salad, the Spanish version—often called Sabadilla Rusa—is lighter, zestier, and full of Mediterranean freshness.

It’s a dish that brings sunshine to your table, whether served as a side dish at a barbecue or as a main course for lunch. Let’s dive into this flavorful, easy-to-follow Spanish potato salad recipe that’s perfect for every season.

🇪🇸 What Is Spanish Potato Salad?

Spanish potato salad, or Sabadilla Rusa, is a traditional dish widely enjoyed throughout Spain and Latin America. Despite the name “Russian salad,” this recipe has become an essential part of Spanish cuisine—served in tapas bars, family gatherings, and festive meals.

The classic recipe for Spanish potato salad combines boiled potatoes, vegetables, tuna, boiled eggs, and creamy mayonnaise. But every region (and every abuela!) has its own twist—some add olives, others prefer shrimp, and some skip the mayo for an olive oil-based version.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Once you master the base, you can adjust it to your taste or occasion.

🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for the authentic recipe for Spanish potato salad (serves 4–6 people):

Base Ingredients

4 medium potatoes (waxy variety like Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
3 large eggs
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (or freshly chopped)
1 small can (around 5 oz) tuna in olive oil
1/2 cup mayonnaise (homemade or good quality store-bought)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins (for flavor and texture)

1/4 cup finely chopped pickles or gherkins
1/4 cup chopped green olives or pimiento-stuffed olives
1/4 cup roasted red peppers (cut into small strips)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)
Lemon juice for freshness

These extras add depth and authenticity to your Spanish potato salad recipe—but feel free to personalize!

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe for Spanish Potato Salad

Let’s make this dish together, step by step.

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Wash and peel your potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized cubes.
Place them in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil.
Cook until just tender (about 10–12 minutes). Avoid overcooking—they should hold their shape.
Drain and let them cool completely.

💡 Tip: You can also boil them whole and peel after—they’ll absorb less water and stay firmer.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs and Vegetables

In another pot, boil the eggs for 9–10 minutes until hard-boiled.
Meanwhile, cook peas and carrots in salted water for 3–4 minutes until tender. Drain and let them cool.
Once the eggs are ready, cool them in ice water, peel, and chop into small pieces.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, peas, carrots, chopped eggs, and drained tuna.
Add pickles, olives, and roasted red peppers if using.
Gently toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper to season everything evenly.

This step gives you a light, fresh salad base before adding the creamy element.

Step 4: Add Mayonnaise and Flavoring

Stir in the mayonnaise and mix until everything is lightly coated.
Add lemon juice or Dijon mustard for brightness and depth of flavor.
Be gentle—don’t mash the potatoes too much; you want some texture.

Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

The key to a great Spanish potato salad recipe is letting it rest. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Chilling allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making the salad even tastier.

🍽️ How to Serve Spanish Potato Salad

You can serve Spanish potato salad in various ways depending on the occasion:

As a cold side dish with grilled chicken, seafood, or steak.
As part of a tapas spread with bread, olives, and wine.
As a light main course for lunch, especially in summer.
Or as a party dish—it looks beautiful served in a glass bowl with sliced eggs and peppers on top!

Garnish Ideas:

Sliced boiled eggs arranged in a circle on top.
Strips of roasted red pepper for color.
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives.
A drizzle of olive oil for extra shine.

Presentation matters—it’s what makes your recipe for Spanish potato salad not just delicious, but beautiful too!

🌿 Healthy Twist: Lighter Version of Spanish Potato Salad

If you’re watching calories or prefer a lighter option, try this healthy variation:

Swap half (or all) of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add extra lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil for creaminess.
Mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro.

This version keeps all the flavor but feels fresher and more balanced. It’s perfect for picnics, meal prep, or light lunches.

🧂 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this recipe for Spanish potato salad stands out:

Simple ingredients, big flavor. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen.
Versatile. Serve it cold, warm, or even stuffed into sandwiches.
Customizable. Add shrimp, chicken, or even roasted veggies.
Make-ahead friendly. It actually tastes better the next day!

This salad captures everything we love about Mediterranean cooking—fresh, vibrant, and satisfying without being heavy.

🇪🇸 A Little History: From Russia to Spain

Fun fact: The dish’s origins trace back to the 19th century in Russia, where it was created by Chef Lucien Olivier. Spanish chefs later adopted it, simplified it, and gave it their signature Mediterranean flair.

Now, Empanadilla Rusa is a national favorite across Spain—proof that great recipes travel, evolve, and become part of different cultures.

❤️ Purpose of This Article

The purpose of this article on the recipe for Spanish potato salad is to help you experience the charm of Spanish home cooking right in your kitchen. It’s not just about boiling potatoes—it’s about celebrating simplicity, flavor, and togetherness.

Food brings people closer, and this dish is a perfect example of that. Every bite tells a story of culture, warmth, and shared meals under the Mediterranean sun.

So, the next time you crave something refreshing yet hearty, remember this Spanish potato salad recipe—and let it transport you straight to Spain.

Recipe for Spanish Potato Salad: A Classic Mediterranean Delight