Ensaladillo Rusa(Spanish Potato Salad)
A creamy Spanish potato salad combining tender potatoes, tuna, olives, asparagus, and peas, garnished with colorful pimentos and eggs, perfect for warm gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes by peeling, washing, boiling, chilling, and cutting into very small cubes.
- Chop the asparagus, reserving several spears for decoration.
- Mix the chopped asparagus, peas, olives, chopped red pimentos, tuna, and chopped eggs in a bowl.
- Add mayonnaise and enough asparagus juice until the desired creamy texture is reached.
- Gently fold in the potatoes and season with salt.
- Adjust with more mayonnaise and asparagus juice if needed.
- Arrange the salad on a serving platter and decorate with reserved asparagus spears, pimento strips, olives, and egg wedges.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise. You can also substitute the tuna with canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If you like a little heat, add chopped jalapeños. Ensure your potatoes are well-chilled before mixing to maintain their shape and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ensaladillo Rusa as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with Seafood recipes, especially grilled fish. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or a light green salad. Garnish with additional hard-boiled egg wedges and olives for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. The flavors often deepen after a day, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ensaladillo Rusa(Spanish Potato Salad) contains roughly 1710 calories, with 44g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (88% of the Daily Value), potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1661mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, Ensaladillo Rusa can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. However, wait to add any garnishes until just before serving to keep them fresh and visually appealing.
What can I substitute for the tuna?
If you prefer not to use tuna, you can replace it with canned salmon, shredded chicken, or diced chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Each option will provide a different flavor profile, so choose one that best suits your taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor. Just ensure that any additional vegetables are cooked and cooled before adding them to the salad to maintain the right texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).