Herring Salad is a Danish speciality that I first tried years ago. The salad is a refreshing combination of herring, onion, apples and yoghurt. Top with dill for that added texture. Also the longer you marinade the mix the better.
Herring salad is a beloved dish in many Scandinavian countries, celebrated for its unique combination of flavours and textures. This delightful salad is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nod to the rich culinary traditions of the Nordic region. Its ingredients—tart apples, pickled herrings, onion, yogurt, lemon juice, and dill—come together to create a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
The star of the herring salad is, unsurprisingly, the herring itself. Pickled herrings are a staple in Scandinavian cuisine, valued for their distinctive taste and long shelf life. The pickling process imparts a tangy, slightly sweet flavour to the herring. This pairs beautifully with the other ingredients in the salad. The fish’s firm texture provides a pleasant contrast to the crispness of the apples and the smoothness of the yogurt.
Tart apples are an essential component of this salad, contributing a bright and fruity note that balances the richness of the herring. The slight acidity of the apples enhances the overall flavour profile, while their crunch adds an appealing texture. Varieties such as Granny Smith or Bramley are ideal for this dish, offering the right level of tartness and firmness.
Onions, finely chopped, bring a sharp bite to the salad. Their pungency cuts through the creamy yogurt and the fatty fish, adding another layer of complexity. Red onions or shallots are often preferred for their milder flavour and vibrant colour. They also enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Yogurt serves as the creamy base that ties all the ingredients together. It provides a light and tangy contrast to the richness of the herring and the sharpness of the onions. Greek yogurt, in particular, is a popular choice due to its thick consistency and slightly tangy taste. This creamy element ensures that the salad is not only flavourful but also indulgently smooth.
Lemon juice is added for its bright acidity, which lifts the flavours and adds a refreshing zing. The citrus notes from the lemon juice complement the tartness of the apples and the tanginess of the pickled herring, making the salad vibrant and invigorating.
Dill, a quintessential herb in Scandinavian cuisine, is the final touch that completes the dish. Its fresh, slightly grassy flavour pairs perfectly with fish, adding a subtle yet distinct aroma to the salad. Dill also brings a touch of green, making the salad look as good as it tastes.
Herring salad is more than just a dish; it is a celebration of simple yet harmonious flavours. It is a reflection of the Scandinavian approach to cooking, where quality ingredients are allowed to shine through minimalistic preparation. Whether served as a starter, a light lunch, or part of a larger smorgasbord, herring salad is sure to delight those who appreciate the nuanced flavours of Nordic cuisine.
The herring salad is a perfect example of how diverse ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both balanced and flavourful. The tartness of the apples, the tanginess of the pickled herrings, the sharpness of the onions, the creaminess of the yogurt, the acidity of the lemon juice, and the freshness of the dill all play their part in making this salad a truly delightful experience. It is a dish that pays homage to its Scandinavian roots while offering a unique and delicious taste sensation.
Herring Salad
Print Facebook Pinterest Twitter Add to CollectionServings: 4 people
Calories: 261kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz pickled herring drained, 336 g
- 2 small onions thinly sliced
- 2 large tart apples peeled, cored, quartered, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain yogurt 250 ml
- 1/2 fresh lemon juice only
- 1 tbsp dill chop
Instructions
Nutrition
Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 785mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g
6 comments
This is a salad that most people will pass by without discovering the perfect balance of the flavours. One of my favs
I didn’t think I would enjoy this salad but I was pleasantly surprised.
We would happily have it again, especially how cheap herring is compared to other seafood at the moment.
I recently tried the herring salad and was pleasantly surprised by the depth of flavor.
The marinade/sauce/dressing is simple but lifts the dish to a new level.
I was a bit skeptical about herring salad, but it turned out to be fantastic. The fish was tender and flavorful, and the combination of fresh vegetables and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing made it a well-balanced dish.