Go Back
Herring salad

Creamy Herring Potato Salad

This traditional European herring potato salad combines tender pickled herring, potatoes, apples, eggs, onions, and a creamy tartar dressing. Inspired by a vintage Latvian cookbook, it's a classic holiday salad that's rich, refreshing, and perfect for festive gatherings.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: European
Calories: 388

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g pickled herring fillets
  • 200 g peeled potatoes
  • 200 g apples
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs
  • 250 g tartar sauce
  • 30 g onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Cut the herring fillets into small bite-sized cubes, reserving a few pieces for garnish.
  2. Dice the cooked potatoes.
  3. Peel and dice the apples, then toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. Chop three of the hard-boiled eggs into small cubes and reserve one egg for decoration.
  5. Finely chop the onion.
  6. Combine the potatoes, apples, eggs, onion, and herring in a large bowl.
  7. Fold in the tartar sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Arrange the salad on a serving platter.
  9. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled egg, reserved herring pieces, and fresh parsley or dill.
  10. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Traditional Latvian recipes usually use pickled herring fillets, not fresh fish.
  • The tartar sauce gives this salad a richer flavor than classic mayonnaise.
  • This salad is commonly served at Christmas, New Year's, and other holiday celebrations throughout Northern and Eastern Europe.