When I asked my mom this summer, what are some of the traditional Finnish recipes you grew up with, she said "beet and pickled herring salad". After my request she made this for the entire family. Everybody loved it! The version without pickled herring is called Punajuurisalaatti. I feel the herring adds the best part.
The diverse ingredients made a unique variety of textures and flavours.
2 medium potatoes (cooked, peeled and diced)
2 tart (Granny Smiths) apples (peeled and diced)
2 carrots (cooked, peeled and diced)
1 medium onion (minced)
2 medium dill pickles (diced)
3/4 cup diced pickled or salted herring or sardines
1/8 tsp pepper
2 cups cooked, peeled and diced beets
tsp of chopped dill
Sour Cream Dressing
1 C sour cream
1 Tbl. lemon juice
2 tsp. beet juice
1/4 tsp sugar
Whipped Dressing (alternative)
1 C heavy cream
2 Tbl lemon juice
2 tsp beet juice
dash of salt and sugar
Add all the diced vegetables (except beets) and herring and toss. Just before serving add the beets. Gently toss.
Serve in a salad bowl lined with crisp lettuce and serve chilled with a generous spoonful of dressing.
The other option is to mix the dressing in or on the side.
After serving this to my friend, she said the flavours marry well together so nicely!
