Delicious Layered Herring Salad

This delightful layered salad is a traditional dish celebrated for its vibrant colors and harmonious flavors. It's a meal perfect for gatherings, offering a visually stunning presentation that also tantalizes the taste buds. The salad is prepared by layering ingredients like marinated herring, onions, and an assortment of vegetables. Each layer introduces a new texture and flavor, from the tender potatoes to the sweet beets. The dish is then completed with a generous coating of creamy mayonnaise, adding richness to the meal. Grated carrots and boiled eggs are also included for added complexity and decoration. Each forkful provides a blend of savory and sweet, with a creamy finish. Despite its layered assembly, the salad is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it accessible to both novice and seasoned cooks. This salad can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs, making it a versatile option for any menu.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Marinated Herring: 200g, diced
Onions: 1 large, finely chopped
Boiled Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and grated
Beets: 2 medium, peeled and grated
Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and grated
Boiled Eggs: 3, separated into whites and yolks
Mayonnaise: 200g

Preparation Time

Total Time: 1 hour (20 minutes preparation, 40 minutes chilling)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the marinated herring and finely chop the onions. Place each ingredient into separate bowls.
Peel and boil the potatoes, carrots, and beets until tender. Allow them to cool slightly before grating each vegetable into separate bowls.
Hard boil the eggs, then cool them under cold water. Gently peel off the shell and separate the whites from the yolks.
Grate the egg whites and gently crumble the yolks. Keep them aside as these will be used for decoration.
Arrange the salad in layers using a serving dish to show off the beautiful colors. Start with a layer of diced marinated herring.
Add a layer of chopped onions over the herring for a subtle sharpness.
Spread a thin coat of mayonnaise over the onion layer to enhance the flavor and bind the layers.
Add a layer of grated carrots, followed by another mayonnaise coating.
Layer with grated beets for a vivid pop of color and sweetness, again topped with mayonnaise.
Continue layering until all ingredients are used, ensuring the top layer is a generous spread of mayonnaise. This seals in moisture and flavor.
For decoration, artfully arrange the grated egg whites and crumbled yolks on top of the salad.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled. The salad can be portioned easily with a spoon, and each serving will have a bit of every layer.

Tips

Substitutions: Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Techniques: Use a food processor for quicker grating.

Nutritions

Calories: 450 per serving
Proteins: 15g
Fats: 30g
Carbs: 30g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute herring with smoked tofu or mushrooms.
Vegan Alternative: Use vegan mayonnaise and replace eggs with tofu scramble.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Serve alongside crispy rye bread for added texture.

Best Places

Riga Central Market - Known for authentic regional dishes. Location: Nēģu iela 7, Riga, Latvia
Café Kuldīga - Offers a cozy ambiance with traditional menus. Location: Liepājas iela 6, Kuldīga, Latvia
Bistro Doma Café - Popular for its hearty meals. Location: Viestura iela 1, Jelgava, Latvia
Kaļķu Vārti - A modern twist on traditional Latvian cuisine. Location: Kaļķu iela 11a, Riga, Latvia
Ala Folkklubs - Famous for local foods and folk music. Location: Peldu iela 19, Riga, Latvia
Lido Atpūtas Centrs - A famous buffet with a variety of dishes. Location: Krasta iela 76, Riga, Latvia
Street Burgers - Renowned for integrating local flavors. Location: Kalķu iela 6, Riga, Latvia
BBāra - Known for its excellent live music and Latvian dishes. Location: Dzirnavu iela 2, Riga, Latvia
Madona’s Water Mill - Offers breathtaking views and classic meals. Location: Pļaviņu iela 1, Madona, Latvia
VinilBārs - Unique setting with creative recipes. Location: Vaļņu iela 70, Riga, Latvia