Festive layered salad

This vibrant layered Russian salad is a classy dish everyone loves at parties. Earthy flavors mix with a bit of tang for a taste combo that’ll totally wow your crowd any time you want to celebrate.

The first time I made this was for New Year’s Eve and now it’s just a must at any family get-together. Folks always stop to check out those separate, colorful layers.

Fresh Ingredients List

• Hard-boiled eggs: make it rich and creamy, so satisfying
• Shredded cooked beets: gives a bold color and a gentle earthy sweetness
• Finely chopped onion: brings a little kick to balance out the mild tastes
• Marinated herring fillets: add a punch of briny, deep flavor
• Cooked carrots: add brightness and a pop of orange
• Mayonnaise jar: keeps everything super creamy and holds the layers together
• Cooked potatoes: make a filling, soft base for everything else

Simple Step-By-Step Directions

Finish with the final layer:

Carefully pile the shredded beet over everything. Put a last slick of mayo on top. Chill it at least two hours so the flavors really blend before serving.

Add those middle layers:

Lay down the cooked carrots next, then a little more mayo. Sprinkle on the grated egg, smooth it in, then another thin bit of mayo. Next comes a layer of chopped onion and marinated herring. Spread it out evenly for a balanced bite every time.

Lay down the first layer:

Mash the cooked potatoes into the bottom of your serving bowl and press until it’s nice and even. Coat with a light layer of mayo, making sure you get right to the sides.

Prep everything:

Grate the beets—grab gloves if you don't want pink hands—and set aside. Grate the eggs and the carrots into separate bowls too. Chop up the herring and onion super fine and keep each in their own little bowl.

Beets are my top pick here. That bright color at the top, that sweet flavor—you can’t beat it. It really balances out the salty fish. This dish always makes me think of big family party tables at my grandma’s house where everyone wanted the very last spoonful.

Storage Tips

This salad keeps well in the fridge for two or three days in a tight container. The mayo helps the flavors meld even more as it sits. Don’t leave it out for more than two hours just to be safe. If you prep it earlier, wait to put on that final mayo layer until right before serving so it stays nice and fresh looking.

Swaps and Changes

If you want to lighten it up, swap some mayo with Greek yogurt. You can use smoked salmon instead of herring for a milder flavor or even toss in some shredded chicken if you want to skip fish. For a hint of sweetness, slip in a thin layer of fresh grated apple between the carrot and beet. Every switch changes up the taste a little, but you’ll still have that party-worthy vibe.

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Plating Ideas

Want it to look really fancy? Use a ring mold right on each plate, then stack the layers inside and pull it off for a neat reveal of all those colors. Toss on some snipped chives or dill to brighten it up. This salad goes great next to cold meats or just serve it first when everyone sits down to eat. For a buffet, a see-through dish shows off every bright layer best.

Expert Hints

• Use the fine side of the grater so every ingredient stays smooth and light
• Let everything cool off after cooking or your mayo will melt and the whole thing gets runny
• Smooth on the mayo with a flat spatula so your layers look crisp and tidy

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the herring for something else?

Yes, you can replace the herring with smoked salmon or any other fish you like.

→ How can I serve it so it looks pretty?

Show off the layers in a clear serving bowl or create individual servings using a round mold for an impressive touch.

→ Is this salad hard to prepare?

Not at all! Just grate the vegetables, chop the herring and onion, and layer everything with mayonnaise in between.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. This salad can stay in the fridge for hours and actually tastes better once chilled.

→ What twists can I try on this salad?

For a sweet kick, add grated apples. Or skip the mayo and go for a yogurt dressing if you want something lighter.