Pickled Herring in Cream Sauce
A beloved classic from the American Midwest, this Pickled Herring in Cream Sauce is a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and sweet. Tender herring, crisp apple, and sharp onion are folded into a luscious sour cream and dill sauce. This no-cook appetizer is effortlessly simple to prepare and perfect for holiday spreads, brunches, or as a savory snack with dark rye bread.
For 4 servings
5 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Cream Sauce
- b.In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, and white pepper.
- c.Whisk vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Herring and Add-ins
- b.Drain the pickled herring thoroughly from its wine sauce, patting it gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- c.Cut the herring fillets into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces.
- d.Finely dice the sweet onion and the cored Granny Smith apple into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine All Ingredients
- b.Add the herring pieces, diced onion, diced apple, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl with the cream sauce.
- c.Using a spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Be careful not to break up the herring pieces.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Chill to Meld Flavors
- b.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid.
- c.Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, before serving. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Give the chilled herring salad a gentle stir before serving.
- c.Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh dill.
- d.Serve cold with dark rye bread, pumpernickel bread, or sturdy crackers.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the herring is very well-drained to prevent a watery sauce. Patting it dry with a paper towel is highly recommended.
- 2For the best texture, use a crisp, tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. It provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
- 3The flavor improves significantly with time. For best results, make this dish 4-6 hours or even a day in advance.
- 4If you find the herring too pungent, you can give it a very quick rinse under cold water before patting it dry.
- 5Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, so you can add another 1/2 teaspoon of sugar if desired.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbaceous Twist
Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives or parsley along with the dill for a more complex herbal flavor.
Extra TangExtra Tang
For a briny kick, fold in 1 tablespoon of drained capers.
Creamy AlternativeCreamy Alternative
Substitute half of the sour cream with crème fraîche or full-fat Greek yogurt for a different tangy profile and texture.
Add Some CrunchAdd Some Crunch
For added texture, stir in 1/4 cup of finely diced celery.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Herring is an oily fish and one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation.
Excellent Source of Vitamin D & B12
Herring provides a significant amount of Vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function, and Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
High-Quality Protein
This dish offers a substantial amount of high-quality protein from the herring, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
Contains Probiotics
Sour cream is a fermented product that can contain beneficial probiotics, which support a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving (approximately 1 cup) of this Pickled Herring in Cream Sauce contains around 440-460 calories, primarily from the herring and full-fat sour cream.