Pickled herring is often overlooked, mostly because people assume they won’t like the taste or texture. But it’s affordable, ready to eat right from the jar and works in way more meals than you’d think.
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If you already like pickled herring, you probably know it’s great with rye bread, onions or sour cream. However, it works in plenty of other dishes, as well. Chopped herring mixes easily into potato salad or egg salad, and pairs well with boiled potatoes, beets or cucumbers. A little goes a long way, bringing big flavor without extra effort.
If you don’t like pickled herring or haven’t tried it, it’s easy to skip over. But it’s pretty similar to canned fish. The vinegar and onions are strong at first, but the flavor mellows when mixed into something else. Try it in pasta salad or spread on crackers with cream cheese. You don’t need much to see what it’s about.
If you’re willing to give it a chance, start small. It won’t take much to change your mind. Most people think of pickled herring as just a snack or appetizer, but it also fits into other meals, starting with breakfast.
Breakfast
Pickled herring might sound unusual for breakfast, but it’s not far off from putting smoked salmon on a bagel. Try adding just a small amount to scrambled eggs or an omelet with potatoes, spinach or mild cheese. The eggs balance the strong flavors, giving you something hearty without an overpowering fish taste.
If eggs aren’t your thing, consider spreading cream cheese thinly on rye toast or a bagel and topping it with cucumbers, pickled herring and fresh herbs like dill or chives.
Lunch
Pickled herring works best at lunch when combined with ingredients that tone down its strong flavor. Potato salad is a good place to start because the potatoes absorb the vinegar taste. Add diced pickled herring to a basic potato salad along with celery, chopped onion, fresh dill and mayonnaise. You can also mix in boiled eggs or chopped apples for extra texture.
If you prefer sandwiches, rye or dense whole-grain breads hold up best to the moisture. Spread cream cheese thinly on the bread, then add pickled herring, sliced cucumber, lettuce, thinly sliced onion and tomato. Fresh herbs such as dill or chives help balance out the vinegar.
Another easy lunch idea is a pasta salad made with pickled herring. Use short pasta shapes, such as rotini or penne, and mix in cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion and herring pieces. Toss lightly in a creamy dressing or mild vinaigrette. The pasta and fresh vegetables make the herring flavor milder.
Finally, pickled herring can be used as a protein addition to grain bowls. Layer brown rice or quinoa in a bowl, then top with pickled herring, avocado slices, shredded carrots, greens and a drizzle of mild dressing. The combination makes the fish less noticeable but still adds protein.
Dinner
Pickled herring works well as a quick protein for easy dinners, especially paired with milder ingredients. Start by serving it alongside boiled or roasted potatoes, then add steamed vegetables such as green beans, carrots or broccoli. A spoonful of sour cream on the side softens the vinegar flavor, bringing everything together.
Another practical dinner option is using pickled herring in grain-based dishes. Add diced herring to cooked quinoa, rice or couscous, and toss with cucumber slices, bell peppers, shredded carrots and mild greens. Finish the dish with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice to blend flavors smoothly.
If you prefer a warm meal, stir small pieces of pickled herring into a vegetable saute near the end of cooking. Zucchini, spinach, onions and potatoes are good vegetable choices because their mild flavors balance the stronger fish taste. Serve the saute over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Snack time
Pickled herring is easy to use as a snack. The simplest option is to put it directly onto crackers or rye bread with cream cheese or sliced cucumbers. Fresh dill, chives or thinly sliced red onions add flavor and texture without extra effort.
If you’re looking for something different, make quick lettuce wraps by placing small pieces of pickled herring in crisp lettuce leaves along with diced tomatoes, avocado slices and a squeeze of lemon. The lettuce helps reduce the vinegar taste, and the avocado adds balance.
For another easy snack, mix diced pickled herring into softened cream cheese to make a dip or spread. Add chopped herbs or finely diced cucumber, and serve with crackers, crispbread or vegetables like celery sticks and carrots.
Pickled herring fits into more meals than you think
Pickled herring isn’t something most people reach for first, but it can be easier to use than expected. The trick is combining it with everyday ingredients that balance out the vinegar taste. Instead of thinking of it as pickled fish, treat it like canned tuna or smoked salmon. It’s ready to use, affordable and adds easy protein to your usual meals.
Sara Nelson is the creator of Real Balanced, a food blog that showcases easy and balanced recipes. Since 2017, she has shared these recipes with thousands of blog readers and social media followers. Sara lives in Wisconsin with her family.