Chopped Herring Salad
A classic Jewish deli staple, this salad combines savory pickled herring with sweet apple, sharp onion, and rich hard-boiled eggs. It's a wonderfully complex spread perfect for rye bread or matzo.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Core Ingredients (15 minutes)
- b.If not already prepared, hard-boil the eggs. Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by 1 inch, bring to a boil, then cover, turn off heat, and let stand for 10-12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to cool completely before peeling.
- c.Drain the pickled herring, making sure to reserve 2 tablespoons of the wine sauce from the jar. Pat the herring fillets dry with a paper towel.
- d.Peel, core, and finely chop the apple. Finely chop the red onion. Peel and finely chop the hard-boiled eggs.
- e.The goal is a uniform, small dice for all chopped ingredients to ensure a consistent texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Bread Binder (2 minutes)
- b.Briefly run the slice of stale challah bread under cool water to moisten it.
- c.Squeeze the bread firmly between your hands to remove as much water as possible until it is just damp and crumbly. This adds body to the salad.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine the Salad (3 minutes)
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped herring, eggs, apple, and onion.
- c.Crumble the squeezed bread into the bowl.
- d.Add the reserved 2 tablespoons of herring liquid, granulated sugar, white vinegar, black pepper, and salt.
- e.Gently mix with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain some texture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Chill to Meld Flavors (4+ hours)
- b.Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
- c.Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This step is crucial and should not be skipped, as it allows the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to meld and deepen.
- d.The salad's flavor will be significantly better after a proper chill.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Before serving, give the salad a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—it might need a pinch more sugar, salt, or a splash of vinegar.
- c.Serve chilled as a spread with matzo, crackers, or slices of rye or pumpernickel bread.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a more traditional, finer texture, you can pass the herring, egg, apple, and onion through a meat grinder on a coarse setting instead of chopping by hand.
- 2The type of apple matters. Granny Smith provides a tart crunch that balances the richness. A Honeycrisp or Gala can be used for a sweeter profile.
- 3If you find the red onion too sharp, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes and then drain it well before adding to the salad.
- 4Don't skip the stale bread! It's a traditional binder that absorbs excess moisture and gives the salad a better consistency.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor often improves on the second day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Richer Flavor
For a richer, more old-fashioned flavor, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) or mayonnaise.
Herbed VersionHerbed Version
Add 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped dill or chives for a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the herring.
Creamy StyleCreamy Style
For a creamier texture, substitute the bread with 2-3 tablespoons of full-fat sour cream or cream cheese.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Add a teaspoon of prepared horseradish to the mix for a zesty, spicy kick that cuts through the richness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Herring is an oily fish packed with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular function.
Excellent Source of Protein
Both herring and hard-boiled eggs provide high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
High in Vitamin D and B12
Herring is one of the best natural sources of Vitamin D, vital for bone health and immune function, and Vitamin B12, which is necessary for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
Frequently asked questions
A standard 1/4 cup serving of this Chopped Herring Salad contains approximately 160-190 calories, depending on the specific brand of herring and bread used.