Śledzie po Francusku (French-Style Herring Salad)

Śledzie po francusku, or French-style herring salad, is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of pickled herring with the subtle tang of mustard, herbs, and a touch of cream. This recipe is perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful appetizer, showcasing a creative twist on traditional herring dishes.

Ingredients:
500 g pickled herring fillets (soaked in water for 2 hours to remove excess salt)
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons sour cream or crème fraîche
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 medium pickles (cornichons), finely chopped
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
1 small apple (preferably green), peeled and diced
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Herring

Rinse the soaked herring fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, sour cream, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, pickles, capers, and diced apple. Add the herring pieces and gently toss to mix.
Combine with Dressing

Pour the dressing over the herring mixture and gently fold everything together until well coated. Adjust seasoning with black pepper as needed.