Danish-Inspired Beetroot and Herring Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant beetroot and pickled herring salad served with a tangy dill yogurt dressing, perfect as a light and flavorful appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends small, thinly sliced red onion, plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh dill into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 190 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine 3 diced cooked beetroot and 6 oz bite-sized pickled herring pieces with 1 small thinly sliced red onion.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and well blended.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dill yogurt dressing over the beetroot and herring mixture, folding gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the beetroot.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled as a refreshing Scandinavian appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Danish-Inspired Beetroot and Herring Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Danish-Inspired Beetroot and Herring Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Danish-Inspired Beetroot and Herring Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Danish-Inspired Beetroot and Herring Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Danish-Inspired Beetroot and Herring Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes