Pickled herring pairs well with a variety of side dishes to elevate your meal. Gluten-free bread soaks up the flavorful pickling liquid, while ranch crackers offer a satisfying crunch. Rich ricotta balances the herring's tanginess, and a watermelon cucumber salad refreshes your palate with juicy sweetness. Toasted rosemary bread brings an aromatic touch perfect for gourmet sandwiches. Other great options include creamy coleslaw, roasted almonds, tangy sour cream, and crispy baby potatoes. Each side dish complements the pickled herring beautifully, adding new dimensions to the experience. For even more delicious ideas, continue exploring!
Gluten-Free Bread
Opt for gluten-free bread to complement the briny and tangy flavors of pickled herring. This bread absorbs the pickling liquid, enhancing the dish's taste.
Toast it and spread with butter for added indulgence. Its texture and taste offer a satisfying contrast, making it ideal for seafood lovers.
Including gluten-free bread creates a delicious dining experience with a complex flavor profile.
Ranch Crackers
In addition to gluten-free bread, ranch crackers bring a herby and tangy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the briny pickled herring.
Their crispy texture creates a delightful contrast with the softness of the herring, making them a quick and easy side dish.
The satisfying crunch and unexpected pairing offer a surprisingly enjoyable addition to your pickled herring meal.
Ricotta
Ricotta, with its creamy and mild characteristics, serves as an excellent counterbalance to the strong, sour notes of pickled herring. This cheese makes the herring more palatable, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
A dollop or spread on bread adds a luxurious touch, creating a satisfying accompaniment. Ricotta's richness and creamy texture harmonize beautifully with the acidity of pickled herring.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
After enjoying the creamy and mild characteristics of ricotta, an invigorating Watermelon Cucumber Salad offers a revitalizing and light contrast to the tanginess of pickled herring.
This salad combines the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the crisp, mild flavor of cucumber, providing a fresh and satisfying palate cleanser.
Ideal for a summer meal, its vibrant colors and flavors enhance the overall dining experience.
Rosemary Bread
Enhancing your pickled herring meal with rosemary bread introduces an aromatic and flavorful component that elevates the entire dining experience.
This bread's hearty texture pairs perfectly with the herring, while its earthy, piney flavor contrasts beautifully with the tanginess of the fish.
Toasted and served warm, rosemary bread is ideal for creating gourmet herring sandwiches or enjoying as a delightful side dish.
Avocado Salad
Avocado salad provides a creamy and invigorating contrast to the tangy flavor of pickled herring. This rich and satisfying dish balances the acidity of the herring, offering a touch of indulgence to the meal.
Its light and invigorating qualities cleanse the palate between bites, while the creamy texture of the avocado salad complements the tanginess, creating a delightful pairing.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
A wonderful complement to pickled herring is the inclusion of hard-boiled eggs. They provide a mild and creamy counterpoint to the tangy fish. Hard-boiled eggs can be sliced or mashed, adding protein and texture to the meal.
Their creamy texture balances the strong flavors of pickled herring, enhancing the overall dining experience with a traditional touch that is simple and convenient.
Potato Salad
For a side dish that complements the tangy flavors of pickled herring, creamy and earthy potato salad is an excellent choice. This potato salad recipe combines boiled potatoes with fresh herbs, red onion, dill pickles, and hard-boiled eggs.
Mayonnaise infused with herbs is folded into the mix, creating a rich and creamy texture. Perfect for picnics, it's a versatile and flavorful accompaniment.
Pickled Beets
Following the creamy richness of potato salad, pickled beets introduce an earthy sweetness that pairs exquisitely with the tangy flavors of pickled herring. This side dish offers a balanced and flavorful combination, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Quick and easy to prepare, pickled beets can be thinly sliced, adding both color and deliciousness to any meal featuring pickled herring.
Rye Bread
Rye bread's hearty and slightly sour flavor makes it an ideal companion for the tangy notes of pickled herring. Its robust texture holds up well, creating a satisfying combination.
Toasting rye bread enhances its earthy taste, complementing the herring's tanginess. This traditional pairing adds depth and richness, providing a quick, flavorful bite that offers an authentic and enjoyable dining experience.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach, with its lush, velvety texture, serves as a perfect counterbalance to the sharp tang of pickled herring.
The inclusion of cream cheese adds a rich, comforting layer, enhancing the earthy taste of the herring.
This classic side dish not only tames the tang but also enriches the overall dining experience, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your meal.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw, with its invigorating crunch and creamy, tangy dressing, offers a delightful contrast to the acidity of pickled herring. This invigorating side dish is perfect for summer meals, adding a light and satisfying element.
The textural variation provided by coleslaw cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience. Its versatility makes it an ideal companion for pickled herring.
Roasted Almonds
Besides the invigorating crunch of coleslaw, roasted almonds offer a delightful nutty complement to pickled herring.
The almonds' mild flavor contrasts beautifully with the tangy marinade of the herring, adding both texture and depth.
Their satisfying crunch enhances the overall dining experience, making roasted almonds a unique and enjoyable addition to any pickled herring dish.
Sour Cream
Sour cream serves as a rich and creamy accompaniment that balances the sharp vinegar notes of pickled herring. Its velvety texture and subtle tang enhance the flavors, making it an ideal dipping sauce or drizzle.
This versatile condiment ties together the distinct tastes of pickled herring, resulting in a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience. Sour cream truly elevates your meal with its delightful creaminess.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Texas Hash Similar to Those for Pickled Herring?
When it comes to the best side dishes for Texas hash, the options are quite different from those for pickled herring. For Texas hash, popular choices include coleslaw, cornbread, and BBQ beans, while pickled herring is often served with boiled potatoes, dark bread, and pickled vegetables.
Crispy Baby Potatoes
Complementing the creamy richness of sour cream, crispy baby potatoes offer a delightful contrast with their crunchy exterior and tender interior.
These potatoes with pickled herring create a harmonious pairing.
Roasted at 450°F with paprika or chili powder, they achieve a golden brown finish when placed cut side down.
Their thin skin and creamy texture make them an ideal, flavorful side dish.