Pickled Herring with Sour Cream & Onion: A Creamy, Tangy, Scandinavian-Inspired Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pickled Herring with Sour Cream & Onion is a timeless Scandinavian-inspired dish that feels both refreshing and comforting. The briny, slightly sweet flavour of pickled herring pairs beautifully with a cool, creamy sour cream base, while onions add sharpness and balance. Together, they create a harmonious blend of richness, acidity, and savoury depth. This dish requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for quick appetisers, holiday spreads, or traditional breakfasts. I once substituted half the sour cream with Greek yogurt, and the result was pleasantly tangy without losing the luscious texture. Whether served simply with rye bread or offered alongside potatoes and fresh dill, this recipe delivers elegance, tradition, and flavour in every bite.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pickled herring fillets
Pickled herring brings a briny, slightly sweet flavour with a tender texture that pairs perfectly with creamy accompaniments.

Sour cream
Provides a cool, velvety base that mellows the sharpness of the pickled fish and binds the ingredients together.

Red onion
Adds crunch and a subtle sharpness, enhancing the tangy flavour profile of the dish.

Fresh dill
Brings herbal brightness, fragrance, and a classic Nordic touch that complements the herring beautifully.

Lemon juice
Adds acidity to balance the creaminess and brighten the overall flavour.

Salt and pepper
Season gently to enhance the natural flavours without overpowering the delicate fish.

Directions

Begin by draining the pickled herring fillets and patting them lightly with paper towels to remove excess brine. Slice the fillets into bite-sized pieces and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, finely chopped red onion, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well blended. Add the sliced herring to the bowl and fold gently to ensure each piece is coated without breaking the fillets.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. This resting time helps the onions soften slightly and the dill infuse into the cream. When ready to serve, spoon the mixture into a small bowl or onto a platter. Pair with rye bread, boiled potatoes, or crisp crackers for a traditional presentation.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 as an appetiser.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the dish contains fish and dairy, consume within this timeframe for best quality. Do not freeze, as the texture of the sour cream will separate upon thawing.

Variations and Customizations

Greek Yogurt-Lightened Version

Swap half or all of the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier flavour.

Mustard-Dill Herring

Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for an extra layer of sharpness and complexity.

Scandinavian Potato Salad

Fold the mixture with boiled baby potatoes for a hearty, traditional side dish.

Apple & Herring Twist

Add finely diced apple for sweetness and crunch.

Chive & Onion Blend

Incorporate chopped chives for a gentler onion flavour.

Smoked Herring Option

Use smoked herring for a deeper, more robust flavour profile.

Horseradish Kick

Stir in a small amount of prepared horseradish for subtle heat.

Cucumber Crunch

Add thinly sliced cucumber for a fresher, lighter variation.

Lemon-Zest Brightness

Include lemon zest for vibrant citrus aroma.

Cream-Free Version

Skip dairy entirely and toss the herring with olive oil, dill, and lemon juice.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pickled herring?

Yes, jarred pickled herring works perfectly and is very convenient.

Do I need to rinse the herring first?

No, simply drain it. Rinsing may remove needed flavour.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, it tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.

What onions work best?

Red onions for sharpness, or shallots for a milder bite.

Can I use dried dill?

Fresh dill gives the best flavour, but dried can be used sparingly.

How should I serve it?

Traditionally with rye bread, potatoes, or crisp crackers.

Can I add capers?

Yes, capers add a lovely briny note.

Does the sour cream curdle?

Not if stored properly and kept cold.

Can I substitute crème fraîche?

Yes, it will give a richer, slightly tangier finish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just choose gluten-free sides like potatoes instead of bread.

Conclusion

Pickled Herring with Sour Cream & Onion is a beautifully balanced dish that blends creamy, tangy, and savoury notes into a classic, comforting recipe. With minimal preparation and maximum flavour, it’s ideal for festive spreads, casual appetisers, or traditional meals. Whether enjoyed with bread or potatoes, this Scandinavian-inspired dish offers elegance and simplicity in every bite.

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