So I’ll first start off by saying squirrel salad has absolutely no squirrel in it at all. This is just a popular party dip in Ukraine (along with my favorite Ukrainian Liver Cake), and it is something I make to this day. The name itself comes from a bit of a pun / mis-translation but I’ve kept it all the same. What squirrel salad is, is a variation of a basic egg salad that works more like a dip or spread for crackers or bread.
The main ingredient in squirrel salad is not eggs nor mayonnaise (although both are in the dish). It is Laughing Cow spreadable cheese. This is popular in many countries, but I would say especially here so in Ukraine, where it is sold from every corner store to major market. This ingredient is what gives the squirrel salad its creamy dip-like consistency.
Squirrel Salad Ingredients
- 6 Eggs, hard boiled
- 400 grams Laughing Cow Cheese, try to find the bricks so you don’t have to open a whole bunch of wedges or cubes
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 6 cloves Garlic minced. Young garlic is best.
- 2 tsp Salt, or to taste
- 2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 70 grams Mayonnaise, store bought or homemade
The ‘salad’ is great because it doesn’t take long to make at all. Once you start boiling the eggs you can begin mashing together the cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Then when the eggs are hard boiled just peel them and crumble them in. Mash everything together once more and give it a good mix, then serve.
I serve this squirrel salad with some pretzel chips and bagel chips, but you can basically serve with whatever chips or crackers you usually use for dips. Sometimes I just break off pieces of fresh baguette and use that. Nobody said this recipe is healthy. If you like you can make homemade mayonnaise instead of store-bought. I find that gives a better overall flavor.
If this was the first thing you’ve seen on my blog then you might be a bit confused as to what Ukrainian food is. No matter; I have a list of amazing Ukrainian recipes that come not just from my family, but from people I’ve met all over the country.
Squirrel Salad
Equipment
- Pot
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 6 Eggs
- 400 grams Laughing Cow Cheese try to find the bricks so you don't have to open a whole bunch of wedges or cubes
- 1/2 Yellow Onion chopped
- 6 cloves Garlic minced. Young garlic is best.
- 2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 2 tsp Black Pepper freshly cracked
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 70 grams Mayonnaise store bought or homemade
Instructions
- In a pot begin boiling the eggs in water. This should take 10 minutes for hard boiled, but they can be slightly under…it's not a big deal).
- In a bowl add all the other ingredients and mash everything together. I just use a fork, but you can use a potato masher if it's easier. Taste for seasoning and adjust to your needs.
- Peel the hard boiled eggs and add them to the squirrel salad. Mash them in there as rough or fine as your like. Taste for seasoning again and adjust to your liking.
- Serve with bread, crackers, chips, or whatever you want to dip in the squirrel salad.
Notes
