Herring on Cucumber Rounds with Dill Cream
Prep
10 mins
Total
10 mins
Serves
4
Calories
140 kcal
Why This Works for Intermittent Fasting
Pickled herring is one of the most concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids available, and it comes with almost no carbohydrates — making it a clean way to break a fast without spiking blood sugar. The cucumber rounds add crunch and water content without adding calories, while the dill cream's fat content slows digestion just enough to extend satiety. This is a…
July 21, 2026
Why This Works for Intermittent Fasting
Pickled herring is one of the most concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids available, and it comes with almost no carbohydrates — making it a clean way to break a fast without spiking blood sugar. The cucumber rounds add crunch and water content without adding calories, while the dill cream's fat content slows digestion just enough to extend satiety. This is a light, low-effort snack that works well as a small opener before a full meal, or as a satisfying between-meal bite inside an eating window.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into ½-inch (1cm) rounds
- 200g (about 7 oz) pickled or marinated herring fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 120g (½ cup) full-fat sour cream or crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Thinly sliced red onion, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Make the dill cream: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, chopped dill, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest together until smooth. Season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust — it should be tangy and herby.
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Prepare the cucumber base: Pat the cucumber rounds dry with paper towel so the dill cream doesn't slide off. Arrange them on a serving platter.
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Assemble: Spoon or pipe a small dollop of dill cream onto each cucumber round.
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Top with herring: Place a piece of herring on top of the dill cream on each round.
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Garnish and serve: Finish with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill and a thin sliver of red onion on each piece, if using. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~140 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Net Carbs | 3g |
Fasting Compatibility
This snack fits well into 16:8, 18:6, and OMAD protocols, either as a light way to open an eating window or as a satisfying between-meal bite. The high omega-3 content and minimal carbohydrate load make it a good choice for anyone using fasting to manage inflammation or blood sugar, and the small portion size keeps it from being heavy enough to disrupt a following fasting window.
Related Recipes
- Cucumber rounds with smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Anchovies with cucumber and butter
- Devilled eggs with paprika and chives
This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, especially if you have an existing health condition.
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Intermittent Fasting in Practice
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