Layered Herring and Beet Salad with Potatoes
A chilled layered salad of herring, potato, carrot, beet, onion and mayonnaise.
This classic layered salad stacks salted herring with onion, potato, carrot and beet beneath a creamy mayonnaise topping. Cook the vegetables separately, cool them fully and chill the assembled salad so the layers hold together. Boil potatoes and carrots until tender, about 20 minutes. Boil beets separately until a knife slides in easily, about 40 to 60 minutes. Cool, peel and coarsely grate. Cut herring into small pieces. Pour boiling water over onion for 1 minute, then drain and cool. Spread herring on a serving plate, top with onion, then grated potato. Season lightly and spread with a thin mayonnaise layer. Add carrot and another light mayonnaise layer, then top with grated beet. Spread a thin final layer of mayonnaise over the beet.
Recipe card
Layered Herring and Beet Salad with Potatoes
Equipment: Mixing bowl, measuring tools and suitable pan
Ingredients
Instructions
Cook vegetables
Boil potatoes and carrots until tender, about 20 minutes. Boil beets separately until a knife slides in easily, about 40 to 60 minutes. Cool, peel and coarsely grate.
Prepare herring and onion
Cut herring into small pieces. Pour boiling water over onion for 1 minute, then drain and cool.
Layer salad
Spread herring on a serving plate, top with onion, then grated potato. Season lightly and spread with a thin mayonnaise layer.
Add remaining layers
Add carrot and another light mayonnaise layer, then top with grated beet. Spread a thin final layer of mayonnaise over the beet.
Chill and serve
Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Garnish with dill before serving.
How to tell when it is ready
Cook until tender, set or golden as described.
Tips
- Measure and prepare ingredients before cooking.
- Cut ingredients into even-sized pieces.
- Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
- Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate covered.
Troubleshooting
- If the mixture is too thick, add liquid gradually.
- If browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Substitutions
- Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
- Choose a compatible dairy-free option where appropriate.
Variations
- Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
- Add citrus for a brighter flavor.
Serving suggestions
- Pair with a crisp seasonal salad.
- Offer fresh herbs or a suitable sauce.
- Add vegetables or fruit on the side.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
Make ahead
Measure ingredients ahead and refrigerate perishable components; finish shortly before serving.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.
Food safety
Contains fish and egg. Keep chilled and use within 2 days.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare this ahead?
Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.
How should I store layered herring and beet salad?
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.
Serve promptly and store leftovers safely.
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