Summer holidays – especially if I spend them in the park across the street – are ‘lazy cooking’ days for me. And while Swedish summer is not generally known for its massive heat waves, do I prefer cold salads over hot dishes.

This salad here is a favourite of my sister’s. And while it is not entirely starch free, I feel fine when eating it. If you are not too sensitive when it comes to eating starch give it a try. I haven’t really found a good alternative for the questionable ingredients. (If I feel bad, I usually eat around the apple and the pineapple.)

Making the salad is very simple. Take a coffee mug (gets you a generous amount of salad for four people) or any other small container. Use that measurement for all ingredients. Make sure not to ‘flatten out’; herring, fruits and vegetables should all sit comfortably in the mug.

• herring (pickled)
• a green apple (Granny Smith type)
• canned pineapple
• onions
• cooked celery
• cornichons
• whipping cream

Cut the herring into small pieces and fill your measuring cup. Empty into a large bowl. Repeat that process with the rest of the ingredients. Mix everything and add the cream to the mix. Let it sit for at least 2 hours in the fridge. (Make sure to have a lid on the bowl. The herring can easily overpower anything else that you keep in the fridge).

I do not add any other spices or herbs, as the different flavours complement each other very well.

Like I said, if you are very sensitive try and eat around the apple and pineapple. They are easy to find in the salad (with the green apple skin and the bright yellow colour).