Herring Apple Appetizer

Prep: 10 min Serves: 7 Cuisine: Eastern European

A tangy and savory appetizer featuring creamy sour cream, flavorful herring, and fresh lemon, perfect for entertaining or as a light, elegant starter.

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz. jar herring fillets
  • 1 cup dairy sour cream
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper

Instructions

  1. Drain herring; cut into bite-size pieces if necessary.
  2. Blend sour cream with herring, lemon juice, chopped onion, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Toss to blend well.
  4. Chill before serving.
  5. Serve as an appetizer with crackers or on lettuce leaves.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you want a bit more tang, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mix. You can also substitute the herring with smoked salmon for a different flavor profile. When chopping onions, soak them in cold water for a few minutes to reduce their sharpness.

Serving Suggestions

This herring appetizer is perfect for a party platter and pairs beautifully with crackers or fresh vegetable sticks. Serve it on a bed of lettuce for a refreshing touch, or alongside other appetizers like the Hors D'Oeuvre Dip for a delightful spread. Consider adding a few slices of lemon for garnish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time. It’s best served chilled, so you won’t need to reheat it; simply let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Herring Apple Appetizer contains roughly 78 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value).

78 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 1.2g 2% DV
Carbs 14.7g 5% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 1.4g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 262mg 11% DV
Potassium 185.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 5.8mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 53.1mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 28.7mg 32% DV
Calcium 88.5mg 7% DV
Iron 0.3mg 1% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 pickled herring instead of regular herring fillets?

Yes, using pickled herring can add a nice tangy flavor to the appetizer. Just be mindful of the saltiness; you may want to adjust the amount of salt you add to the mixture.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, you could replace the herring with marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for a similar texture and flavor. Make sure to adjust any seasonings accordingly to enhance the new ingredients.

What can I serve this appetizer with?

This herring apple appetizer is best served with a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetable sticks. Pair it with a light white wine or cocktail for a refreshing experience, and consider adding other appetizers like Pickle Eggs for a diverse spread.

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).

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