Herring Salad
A creamy, tangy salad featuring tender pieces of pickled herring with crunchy celery and onion in a sour cream dressing. This old-fashioned Midwest favorite is perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings, served chilled with crackers or rye bread.
For 4 servings
- prep
Drain and cut the herring.
Drain the pickled herring from its liquid. Cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces, about ½-inch chunks.
- prep
Dice the vegetables.
1.Finely dice the celery stalk into small, uniform pieces.2.Finely dice the onion half.3.Chop the fresh dill.TIPDicing the onion and celery very small ensures they distribute evenly and don't overwhelm each bite. - mix
Make the dressing.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- mix
Combine all ingredients.
Add the herring pieces, diced celery, diced onion, and chopped dill to the bowl with the dressing. Fold gently with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
TIPFold gently to keep the herring pieces intact. Overmixing can break them apart. - rest · ~60 min
Chill before serving.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.
TIPThis salad tastes even better the next day. Make it a day ahead if you can. - serve
Serve the herring salad.
Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Garnish with an extra sprig of dill if desired. Serve with rye bread, crackers, or boiled potatoes.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, dice the celery and onion into uniform 1/4-inch pieces so they distribute evenly without overpowering a single bite.
- 2If your pickled herring pieces are very salty, give them a quick rinse under cold water before cutting to tone down the brine.
- 3Let the salad chill for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the sour cream dressing to mellow and the flavors to marry.
- 4Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, creamier salad that clings nicely to the fish and vegetables.
- 5Serve the salad well-chilled, straight from the fridge, to keep the textures firm and the tangy flavors bright.
Adapt it for your goals.
Apple-Celery Twist
Add 1/2 small diced Granny Smith apple for a sweet-tart crunch that pairs beautifully with the herring and dill.
Hard Boiled EggHard-Boiled Egg
Fold in 1 diced hard-boiled egg for extra protein and a creamy, rich texture that makes the salad more substantial.
Low Fat OptionLow-Fat Option
Replace half the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat) for a lighter dressing while keeping the creamy tang.
Herb SwapHerb Swap
Substitute fresh dill with an equal amount of chopped fresh chives or parsley for a milder, slightly oniony flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3s
Pickled herring is an excellent source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
Good Source of Vitamin D
Herring naturally contains vitamin D, an important nutrient for bone health and immune function.
Low in Carbohydrates
This dish is naturally low in carbs, with no added starches, making it suitable for low-carb and keto-friendly eating patterns.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but reduce the lemon juice in the dressing slightly to account for the milder brine. Drain the herring well before cutting.
