Go Back
Pickled herring salad with potatoes, red onion, pickles, and fresh herbs in a serving bowl

Pickled Herring Salad with Potatoes and Herbs

The key to a great herring salad is maintaining harmony between the rich fish, mild potatoes, bright herbs, and a dressing that provides enough acidity without overwhelming the ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Scandinavian
Servings 4
Calories 345 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or pot for boiling potatoes
  • Colander
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small whisk or fork
  • Measuring spoons
  • Large serving bowl
  • Airtight container for storage

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 300 g pickled herring fillets, drained
  • 500 g waxy potatoes Yukon Gold, Charlotte, red potatoes, or new potatoes
  • 1 small red onion or shallot, finely sliced
  • 2-3 dill pickles or cornichons, chopped optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or reserved herring brine
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil or light olive oil

Optional Creamy Version

  • 3 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions
 

  • Boil and Slice the Potatoes
    Boil the potatoes whole and unpeeled until just tender, about 15–20 minutes.
    Drain, cool until warm, peel if desired, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  • Prepare the Herring
    Drain the pickled herring and cut it into 2 cm pieces. If it tastes too salty, rinse briefly under cold water and pat dry.
    Sliced pickled herring pieces on a wooden cutting board
  • Make the Dressing
    Whisk together Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar or herring brine, oil, and black pepper until combined.
    Mustard and oil dressing for pickled herring salad in a bowl
  • Combine the Salad
    Toss the warm potatoes with the dressing first. Add herring, onion, pickles, dill, and parsley or chives, then fold gently.
    Pickled herring, potatoes, red onion, and beans combined in a mixing bowl
  • Chill and Serve
    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a creamy version, stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt after chilling. Taste before adding any salt, then serve cold.

Video

Notes

  • Use waxy potatoes for the best texture; they hold their shape better than floury varieties.
  • Do not add salt before tasting the finished salad. Pickled herring often provides plenty of seasoning.
  • Dress the potatoes while still slightly warm so they absorb more flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the potatoes or they may become mushy when mixed.
  • If using herring packed in sweet brine, increase vinegar slightly before considering additional sweeteners.
  • Add dairy ingredients only after chilling to prevent a watery dressing.
  • Fresh dill is traditional and highly recommended for authentic flavor.
  • For extra freshness, add diced cucumber or crisp apple before serving.
Keyword Herring Salad, Pickled Herring, Potato Salad, Scandinavian Recipes, Seafood Salad