Pickled Beet and Herring Salad
Pickled Beet and Herring Salad, often known as 'Sill och Rödbetssallad' in Sweden, is a classic Scandinavian salad combining tender, pickled herring with earthy, sweet pickled beets. It typically features a creamy dressing made from sour cream or mayonnaise, and is often garnished with fresh dill or onions. This vibrant, layered salad is a staple at Swedish smörgåsbords and holiday buffets, especially during Christmas and Easter.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This salad is a balanced dish providing a good source of high-quality protein from the herring and healthy fats from the dressing. It is relatively low in carbohydrates, with most coming from the beets, and offers key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and iron. A typical serving contains approximately 250-350 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 4.5 µg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.2 g |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Selenium | 30 µg |
| Folate | 120 µg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish is a cornerstone of Swedish 'julbord' (Christmas buffet) traditions, symbolizing the preservation of summer's bounty for the long winter. Nutritionally, the combination of pickled herring (rich in omega-3s) and beets (high in nitrates and antioxidants) creates a unique profile that supports heart health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
