Excel-Inspired Layered Russian Salad with Sour Cream Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A layered salad featuring traditional Russian ingredients with a creamy sour cream and dill dressing, perfect for gatherings. This russian-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes blends medium boiled potatoes, diced, medium boiled carrots, diced, small pickled cucumbers, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Serves 6 Russian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Stir well and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  2. Step 2: On a large serving plate, spread a layer of 2 medium diced boiled potatoes evenly. Lightly salt and pepper the potatoes.
  3. Step 3: Spread about 1/3 of the sour cream-dill dressing evenly over the potato layer.
  4. Step 4: Add a layer of 2 medium diced boiled carrots, then spread another 1/3 of the dressing over the carrots.
  5. Step 5: Next, add a layer of 3 small finely chopped pickled cucumbers and 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast. Top with another 1/3 of the dressing.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/2 cup drained green peas and 3 chopped boiled eggs evenly over the top.
  7. Step 7: Cover the entire salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Excel-Inspired Layered Russian Salad with Sour Cream Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Excel-Inspired Layered Russian Salad with Sour Cream Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Excel-Inspired Layered Russian Salad with Sour Cream Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Excel-Inspired Layered Russian Salad with Sour Cream Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Excel-Inspired Layered Russian Salad with Sour Cream Dressing?

Russian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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