Shuba Salad (Layered Beet Salad with Herring)
Ingredients
- 3 herring fillets
- 2 medium Yukon potatoes – cooked
peeled
- 2 medium carrots – cooked
peeled
- 4 kosher dill pickles – grated
- 3 medium beets - cooked
peeled
- 1 boiled egg yolk
- 18 tablespoons mayonnaise)
(less or more
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon finely grated onion
- ground black pepper
for garnish
- fresh parsley
dill or scallions for garnish
Directions
- 1
Cook the vegetables: leave vegetables unpeeled.
- 2
In a medium pot, place 2 medium Yukon potatoes and 2 medium carrots. Cover with cold water, bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook carrots for 15-20 minutes (take out with kitchen tongs or couple forks). Continue cooking potatoes for 10 additional minutes, until they can be easily pierced with knife.
- 3
Into a small pot, place 3 medium beets and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 45-60 minutes until they can easily be pierced with a knife.
- 4
Drain water and let the vegetables stand at room temperature to cool before peeling or refrigerate for faster cooling. Peel vegetables once cooled.
- 5
Boil 1 egg according to this post “Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs” (click on link).
- 6
Take 3 herring fillets from the package and place onto a plate lined with paper towel. Pat herring with paper towel to remove excess oil.
- 7
Cube herring into 1/4” cubes. Into a dinner plate, spread herring in circle in the center of the plate, pressing gently down with a fork. Drizzle with 1 tsp of white distilled vinegar and 1 tsp finely grated onion.
- 8
Using a cheese grater, finely grate 2 potatoes evenly over the herring and gently press down with a fork. With a dull knife, spread 3 tablespoons mayo over potatoes.
- 9
Using same cheese grater, finely grate 2 medium carrots over the salad, press down with fork and cover with 3 tablespoons mayo.
- 10
Into the sieve, grate 4 kosher dill pickles, squeeze out the juice and spread evenly over carrots. Cover with 4 tablespoons mayo.
- 11
Into a sieve, grate 3 medium beets onto a big hole of grater. Squeeze out the juice from grated beets and evenly spread beets over the salad. Cover with 8 tbsp mayo or enough to completely cover all the beets.
- 12
Separate 1 boiled egg – you need egg yolk. Using grater, top with finely grated 1 egg yolk and sprinkle with ground black pepper. (Be sure not to squeeze egg yolk when grating). Refrigerate shuba salad for at least 4 hours before serving.
- 13
This salad is good refrigerated for 3-4 days. Top with fresh parsley before serving.
Shuba Salad (Layered Beet Salad with Herring)
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About this Recipe
Looking for a stunning centerpiece salad that's surprisingly easy to make? This Shuba Salad, a vibrant layered beet salad with herring, brings festive elegance and a delicious experience to any table.
The magic of this Shuba salad lies in its thoughtful layering, where savory herring and tangy pickles are beautifully balanced by creamy mayonnaise and the earthy sweetness of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets. Each forkful delivers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish that’s much more than just a simple salad.
Prepare for a rich and satisfying experience with this layered beet salad. You'll find a delightful contrast between the tender, cooked vegetables, the distinct flavor of the herring, and the refreshing crunch of grated dill pickles.
The mayonnaise, seasoned with white vinegar and finely grated onion, ties all the components together into a harmonious whole. Visually, the vibrant beets create a stunning, deep red top layer, making it an absolute showstopper that truly lives up to its name.
While traditional, you can adapt this Shuba salad to your taste. For a milder flavor, you could try substituting other firm, flaky fish, though herring is key to the authentic experience. You might also experiment with different types of pickles if kosher dill isn't your preference, adjusting the grated onion and vinegar in the dressing to balance the flavor. The amount of mayonnaise can also be adjusted to your liking, making it as creamy or as light as you prefer.
This Shuba salad is absolutely perfect for major events, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a beautiful and flavorful dish. Serve it chilled as a festive appetizer or a hearty side dish, garnished generously with fresh parsley, dill, or scallions, and a sprinkle of boiled egg yolk for that elegant final touch.