Herring Salad
A classic German-American *Heringssalat*, this vibrant and creamy salad is a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Tangy pickled herring, earthy beets, tender potatoes, and crisp apple are brought together in a savory dressing, creating a perfect make-ahead dish for brunch, lunch, or festive gatherings.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Place the whole, unpeeled potatoes in a medium pot
- a.Add 6 cups of water and 1 tbsp of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool completely.
- 2
While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the remaining salad ingredients
- a.Drain the pickled herring well and cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch). Dice the cooked beets, apple, red onion, and dill pickles to a similar size.
- 3
Step 3
- a.In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped herring, diced beets, apple, red onion, and dill pickles. Set aside.
- 4
In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing
- a.Whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- 5
Once the potatoes are completely cool, peel them and dice into 1/2-inch cubes
- a.Add the diced potatoes to the large bowl with the herring mixture.
- 6
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients
- a.Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes or beets.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling period is crucial for the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 8
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir
- a.Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish generously with fresh chopped dill and serve cold.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or fingerlings. They hold their shape well after boiling.
- 2The chilling time is not optional! The salad's flavor improves significantly as it rests, allowing the sweet, savory, and tangy notes to meld.
- 3Dice all your main ingredients (potato, beet, apple, herring) to a uniform size for a more pleasant texture and appearance.
- 4For a lighter dressing, you can substitute half of the sour cream or mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- 5Serve this salad traditionally with dark rye bread, pumpernickel, or crisp crackers.
- 6If you buy whole cooked beets, wear gloves when dicing them to avoid staining your hands.
Adapt it for your goals.
Swedish Style (Sillsallad)
Add one or two chopped hard-boiled eggs to the salad for extra richness and protein.
Extra CrunchExtra Crunch
For added texture, mix in 1/4 cup of finely diced celery or 1/4 cup of toasted chopped walnuts just before serving.
Cream Free VinaigretteCream-Free Vinaigrette
Omit the sour cream and mayonnaise. Instead, dress the salad with a vinaigrette made from 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Herring is an oily fish packed with EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for brain function and have been shown to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
Supports Gut Health
The pickled herring and dill pickles are fermented foods that can provide beneficial probiotics, which help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and support digestive health.
Excellent Source of Vitamin D & B12
Herring is one of the best food sources of Vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function, and Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Provides Antioxidants
Beets contain potent antioxidants called betalains, which give them their vibrant color and help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5 cup serving of this Herring Salad contains approximately 420-470 calories, primarily from the herring, potatoes, and creamy dressing.