Dressed Herring Salad Recipe

Begin a culinary adventure that showcases the art of flavor combinations with our Dressed Herring Salad Recipe. Often referred to as “Herring Under a Fur Coat” or “Shuba,” this iconic dish is a remarkable creation that layers the unique tastes of herring, potatoes, beets, carrots, and eggs, resulting in a dish that is both visually appealing and absolutely mouthwatering ensemble.

Initially, I had some reservations about making this herring salad. Many consider it unusual! This dish is closely tied to Russian cuisine but is rooted in German and Scandinavian traditions, where herring plays a central role. Its unique flavor makes this salad a delightful choice; it’s among my favorites because it can serve as a standalone meal.

The recipe has numerous twists and variations, allowing you to swap layers, introduce new ingredients (for example, you can replace or accompany onion with grated sour apple), and replace herring with different fish (smoked salmon works exceptionally well). For a lighter version of this salad, consider blending mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in a 50/50 ratio, or just use yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

In this culinary journey, we invite you to uncover the secrets behind creating a Dressed Herring Salad. This dish beautifully highlights the deep marine essence of herring, perfectly blended with the earthy sweetness of root vegetables and the rich creaminess of eggs. With layers that resemble a vibrant fur coat, this salad guarantees a delightful symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients for “Shuba” Russian Beet Salad with Herring:

• 500 g pickled herring or herring in oil;
• 2 beets, boiled;
• 1 carrot, boiled;
• 2 potatoes, boiled;
• 2 eggs, boiled;
• 1 onion, finely chopped;
• 200 g mayonnaise;
• chopped fresh herbs to serve.

How to make a layered salad with herring:

• You can pre-boil all the vegetables, cook them ahead of time, and then combine all the ingredients into the salad whenever it is convenient for you. I usually boil potatoes together with carrots together and beets in a separate pot. This is the salad where ingredients are layered over each other and every layer is smeared with mayo.
• Potatoes are the first layer. Before peeling boiled potatoes, let them cool down first. Grate potatoes using the coarse side of your grater. Cover the first layer with mayo.

The shape of the salad purely depends on you and serving plate or container in which you will store the salad. I used a large ring mold to make this salad.

• The second layer is herring cut into small pieces. If you bought the whole herring, divide it into fillets, peel them, get rid of bones, and cut fillets into small cubes. Smear this layer with mayo.

• Cut the onion the way you`d like it to be in your salad (thin and small slices in my case). You can also have it marinate for 10 minutes in vinegar + a pinch of salt and sugar. Add mayo over it.

• Peel cooled down carrot, grate it the same way as potatoes, and layer it over the onion. Do not forget to cover it with mayo again.

• Boil eggs until firm (at least 10 minutes after water boils); let them cool down. Separate yolks from whites. Grate whites over the layer of grated carrots using the same type of grater. Yolks we will use later. Smear the layer with mayo.

• The last layer of vegetables is grated beet. You have a choice to cover it with mayo or not.

If you do not know how to cook beets for the recipe, follow the link and you will have a detailed recipe with all the tricks for a tasty boiled beetroot.

• I decided to finish layers of this “shuba” salad with finely grated egg yolk to make this salad more vibrant. Leave it in the fridge for at least an hour for mayo to soak through all the layers. Before serving, add some leaves of fresh parsley.

Don’t skip this recipe; it features a unique and flavorful salad using tasty herring. Pickled herring pairs beautifully with onions and boiled vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets. Additionally, the varied ingredients make this salad quite nutritious. If you enjoyed my take on the Classic Russian Herring under the Fur Coat Salad, feel free to share it with your friends!

 

As we conclude our culinary journey through the layers of flavors and elegance with the Dressed Herring Salad Recipe, I hope this classic dish has not only delighted your taste buds but also allowed you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of culinary heritage. The harmonious marriage of herring, potatoes, beets, carrots, and eggs in this salad is a testament to the artistry of layering distinct flavors and creating a visually stunning masterpiece.

If you have Pinterest, feel free to pin the recipe! Share this delightful recipe with your friends and family!

Whether served on festive occasions or enjoyed as a symbol of refined dining, this salad encapsulates the essence of the Eastern European culinary heritage. Share the joy of this culinary creation with those around you, and let the richness of marine notes and root vegetables continue to enchant your dining experiences.