Lean "Olivier": how to prepare your favorite salad without meat and eggs

The fasting period does not necessarily mean giving up familiar dishes. Many classic recipes can be adapted to fit a lean menu while still retaining their familiar taste. One such example is the "Olivier" salad, which is easy to prepare without meat and eggs.

The main task is to find suitable substitutes for traditional ingredients and to prepare a light dressing without eggs.

What to substitute for meat in lean "Olivier"

Instead of sausage or chicken, you can use several products that pair well with vegetables.

Mushrooms

Fried champignons are one of the most popular options. Chop the mushrooms and a bit of onion, then fry them in vegetable oil until golden brown. After cooling, they will add a rich flavor and dense texture to the salad.

Avocado

If you want a softer and gentler taste, you can add a ripe avocado. Its creamy texture pairs well with boiled vegetables. The fruit should be peeled, the pit removed, and cut into small cubes.

Base of the lean salad

For the basic version of the salad, you will need:

4 medium potatoes
2 carrots
1–2 pickled or marinated cucumbers
1 can of canned green peas
fresh herbs (dill or parsley)

It is better to boil the potatoes and carrots in their skins — this way they retain their shape and flavor. After cooling, the vegetables are peeled and cut into small cubes.

The cucumbers add a pleasant sourness to the salad, while the green peas provide a characteristic texture. Finally, finely chopped herbs are added.

How to make mayonnaise without eggs

You can make a lean dressing based on aquafaba — the liquid that remains after canned peas or beans.

To prepare the sauce:

Pour the brine from the peas into a tall glass for a blender.
Add a pinch of salt, a bit of sugar, mustard, and a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar.
Start blending the mixture with a blender.
Gradually pour in vegetable oil in a thin stream.

After a few minutes, the liquid will turn into a thick sauce, resembling classic mayonnaise in consistency.

How to assemble the salad

Combine all the prepared ingredients in a deep bowl, add the chosen meat substitute (mushrooms or avocado), and dress with the lean mayonnaise.

After mixing, it is best to place the salad in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow the flavors of the ingredients to become more intense.

This version of "Olivier" is suitable not only for a lean menu but also for vegetarians or those who want to reduce the amount of animal products in their diet.