Sillikaviaari - Finnish Herring Salad

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) herring fillets, marinated 500g (1.1 lb) herring fillets, marinated
• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, boiled and cubed 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, boiled and cubed
• 200g (7 oz) pickles, diced 200g (7 oz) pickles, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 200ml (3/4 cup) sour cream 200ml (3/4 cup) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the marinated herring fillets, boiled potatoes, pickles, and sliced red onion.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, fresh dill, white vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the herring mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and garnish with additional dill, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Herring — Ensure that the herring fillets are properly marinated before using them in the recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the herring fillets in milk for a few hours to reduce the saltiness.
• Potatoes — Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss for the salad, as they hold their shape better when boiled. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they should remain firm and not turn mushy.
• Pickles — Opt for crunchy pickles with a tangy flavor to add a refreshing element to the salad.
• Sour cream — Choose a high-quality sour cream for a creamy and tangy dressing. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.
• Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to intensify the flavors.
• Serve the Sillikaviaari with a side of rye bread or crispbread for a traditional Finnish touch.
• Customize the salad by adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of mayonnaise to the sour cream mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Sillikaviaari chilled as an appetizer or a light main course. It pairs well with a side of rye bread or crispbread. Garnish with additional dill for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Sillikaviaari on a platter, showcasing the vibrant colors of the herring, potatoes, and pickles. Consider garnishing with lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh dill for an elegant touch.