In this warm weather, there is (almost) nothing better than a fresh salad. So, at Fernando’s special request, we had Salada Russa. Despite its name, this simple yet flavorful salad has been a beloved part of Portuguese cuisine for generations. In Portugal, Salada Russa is enjoyed as both a side dish and a main course. It rarely goes missing from the table during holidays, family gatherings, and summer barbecues.


The dish originated in the 19th century with the Russian chef Lucien Olivier, who created a luxurious salad in Moscow. The recipe eventually made its way to Portugal via France and other European countries, where it was adapted to local tastes and ingredients. In Portugal, Salada Russa is often prepared in a slightly simpler style than in other countries; while the original Russian version featured many luxury ingredients, the Portuguese variant focuses primarily on the combination of vegetables and mayonnaise. It is precisely this simplicity that makes the dish so popular: fresh, creamy, and perfect as an accompaniment to fish dishes or as a light meal on hot summer days.

Marjoram—also known as sweet marjoram—most closely resembles oregano in both appearance and flavor. Both herbs belong to the same plant family and are even considered close relatives. Since fresh marjoram can be difficult to find in the Netherlands, use fresh (or dried) oregano as a substitute.
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