Świąteczna Sałatka Śledziowa: A Festive Polish Herring Salad

Świąteczna sałatka śledziowa, or festive herring salad, is a traditional Polish dish often enjoyed during Christmas and other special occasions. This vibrant and flavorful salad combines marinated herring with a variety of vegetables and seasonings, making it a staple on holiday tables. The dish not only highlights the versatility of herring but also carries a sense of nostalgia and tradition for many Polish families.

Ingredients:
300g salted herring fillets (rinsed and soaked if needed)
2 medium potatoes (boiled and diced)
2 medium carrots (boiled and diced)
2 medium beets (boiled, peeled, and diced)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
100g pickled cucumbers (diced)
2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
4 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the herring
Rinse the salted herring fillets thoroughly under cold water. If they are too salty, soak them in water or milk for 2-3 hours, then pat dry. Cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the vegetables
Boil the potatoes, carrots, and beets in separate pots until tender. Let them cool, then peel (if needed) and dice into small cubes.

Assemble the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, beets, chopped onions, pickled cucumbers, and herring pieces.

Add eggs and seasonings
Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Add mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped dill, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix and chill
Carefully mix all the ingredients to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.