Chopped Herring Salad
A flavorful chopped herring salad combining savory fish, crisp apple, and creamy eggs, perfect for a light appetizer or snack with a tangy wine sauce twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the herring and save the liquid from the jar.
- Place the herring, hard-boiled eggs, cored apple cut into chunks, and bread (with crust removed) into a food processor.
- Process with a steel blade until finely chopped to your desired consistency.
- If the mixture is too thick, stir in some of the saved liquid from the jar.
- Chill the salad and then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a sweeter note, try using a tart apple variety such as Granny Smith. You can also substitute herring with smoked salmon for a different flavor profile. For added crunch, toss in some chopped celery or walnuts. This dish is perfect for using up leftover hard-boiled eggs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chopped Herring Salad on a bed of mixed greens or alongside crusty bread for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with classic potato salad or pickled vegetables for a more substantial spread. For an elegant touch, serve it with crackers as an appetizer or add it to a brunch buffet. This dish is also a fantastic complement to any vegetarian recipes you might be featuring.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid mixing in additional liquid until ready to serve. If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a little saved herring liquid or a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing kick. Do not freeze, as the texture will change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chopped Herring Salad contains roughly 311 calories, with 5g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herring instead of herring tidbits in wine sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh herring, but you'll need to marinate it in a mixture of vinegar and spices to replicate the flavor profile of the wine sauce. Make sure to adjust the seasoning in your recipe to account for the different taste and texture.
What can I substitute for hard-boiled eggs?
If you want to make this recipe vegan, you can use mashed avocado or silken tofu as a substitute for hard-boiled eggs. Both will add creaminess to the salad, but be aware that it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The base recipe is gluten-free if you omit any bread or use gluten-free bread. Always check the labels of your herring and any condiments to ensure they are also gluten-free. This makes it a versatile dish for those with dietary restrictions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).