What to Cook for Midsummer

Midsummer food should be generous, seasonal and easy to prepare. Classic flavours such as herring, new potatoes, salmon, dill, chives, sour cream and strawberries belong on the table, but there are many ways to make the menu more varied and inspiring.

A good Midsummer table usually has three parts: cold dishes that can be prepared in advance, something warm to make the meal more complete, and a dessert with strawberries, rhubarb or fresh summer berries.

Here are ideas for what to cook for Midsummer – from traditional favourites to simple dishes that work for lunch, buffet-style serving or a long summer dinner.

Cold Midsummer Food

Cold dishes are often the foundation of a Swedish Midsummer table. The big advantage is that many of them can be prepared the day before, making the celebration easier once your guests arrive.

Herring with classic sides
Serve two or three types of herring instead of making the table too crowded. A clear pickled herring, a creamy herring and one with a little more flavour create a good balance. Serve with boiled new potatoes, sour cream, chives, red onion, dill and crispbread.

Tip: To keep it simple but still festive, buy good-quality prepared herring and serve it in bowls with extra dill, lemon zest, red onion or browned butter on the side.

Matjes herring with browned butter
Matjes herring with new potatoes, chopped egg, red onion, sour cream and browned butter is one of the most flavourful Midsummer dishes. The combination of saltiness, acidity, creaminess and nutty butter makes it both classic and modern.

Cured or cold-smoked salmon
Salmon is always a good choice for Midsummer and works well on a buffet table. Serve it with mustard-dill sauce, lemon, dill and a cold potato salad. Cold-smoked salmon also pairs beautifully with horseradish cream or herb cream cheese.

Egg halves with toppings
Boiled egg halves are easy to prepare and simple to vary. Top them with prawns, mayonnaise, dill, roe, pickled red onion or seaweed caviar for a vegetarian option.

Cold potato salad with herbs
New potatoes are one of the most important ingredients of Midsummer. Make a cold potato salad with boiled new potatoes, radishes, sugar snap peas, spring onion, dill, chives and a vinaigrette with lemon and Dijon mustard. It works well with herring, salmon, grilled food and vegetarian dishes.

Matjes herring cake
A matjes herring cake made with dark rye bread, cream cheese, crème fraîche, chives and dill is a good choice when you want something festive but easy to prepare. It is often best when chilled for a few hours before serving.

Vegetarian Midsummer dishes
Complete the table with dishes that also suit guests who do not eat fish or meat. Good options include vegetarian pie, marinated beans, seasonal vegetables with herb cream, new potato salad, pickled vegetables, cheese and good bread.

Warm Dishes for Midsummer

Even though Midsummer food is often served cold, one or two warm dishes can make the table feel more complete, especially if the celebration continues into the evening.

Västerbotten cheese pie
Västerbotten cheese pie is a Swedish classic that works with herring, salmon and salads. Serve it with sour cream, chopped red onion, dill and roe or seaweed caviar.

Grilled salmon with lemon and dill
Grilled salmon is perfect for Midsummer because it feels summery but still satisfying. Serve it with new potatoes, grilled lemon and a cold sauce made with yoghurt, crème fraîche, dill and chives.

Warm new potatoes with butter and herbs
Boiled new potatoes can easily become a warm dish of their own. Toss the potatoes with butter, dill, chives, lemon zest and sea salt. Serve immediately on a large platter.

Grilled vegetables
Asparagus, courgette, peppers, spring onions, pointed cabbage and corn on the cob are all excellent on the grill. Finish with olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon and sea salt. Serve with a cold yoghurt sauce or herb oil.

Grilled chicken or lamb
For a more filling Midsummer meal, grilled chicken or lamb is a good addition. Season with lemon, garlic, rosemary, thyme or parsley and serve with potato salad and a cold herb sauce.

Vegetarian pie with summer vegetables
A pie with spinach, leek, feta cheese, asparagus or courgette is perfect for Midsummer. It can be served warm, lukewarm or cold, which makes it practical for buffet-style serving.

Sides That Make the Midsummer Table Better

The side dishes often make the Midsummer table feel extra delicious. Choose a few simple details and make them well.

Pickled red onion
Works with herring, salmon, eggs, pie and grilled dishes.

Herb cream
Mix crème fraîche or yoghurt with dill, chives, lemon, salt and black pepper.

Browned butter
Delicious with matjes herring, potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Lemon and fresh herbs
Dill, chives, parsley and lemon make the food fresher and more summery.

Good bread and crispbread
Serve both soft bread and crispbread with butter, cheese and aged cheese.

Desserts for Midsummer

A Midsummer dessert should be simple, fresh and full of summer flavour. Strawberries are the most classic choice, but rhubarb, raspberries, lemon and meringue also work beautifully.

Strawberry cake
A classic strawberry cake with whipped cream, vanilla cream and fresh strawberries is always right for Midsummer. Prepare the cake layers and filling in advance, but decorate the cake close to serving so it stays fresh.

Pavlova with strawberries
Pavlova is a good dessert when you want something festive but easy. Meringue, whipped cream and fresh berries create a light dessert that works well after a salty and creamy Midsummer meal.

Rhubarb and strawberry crumble
Rhubarb and strawberries are a perfect summer combination. Make a crumble and serve it with vanilla custard or vanilla ice cream.

Strawberries with cream or ice cream
The simplest option is often the best. Serve fresh strawberries with lightly whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche flavoured with honey and lemon.

Lemon cheesecake
A chilled lemon cheesecake works well after Midsummer food because the acidity keeps the dessert fresh. Top with strawberries, raspberries or blueberries.

Ice cream with berries and crunch
For a quick dessert, serve vanilla ice cream with strawberries, crushed meringues, toasted nuts or crumbled biscuits.

What to Drink with Midsummer Food

Midsummer food often includes saltiness, acidity, herbs and creamy sauces. That is why fresh and chilled drinks usually work best.

With herring, choose beer, schnapps, alcohol-free beer or crisp white wines with good acidity.

With salmon, sparkling wine, rosé or a fresh white wine works well.

With Västerbotten cheese pie, choose sparkling wine, white wine or a dry cider.

With grilled dishes, rosé, a lighter red wine or white wine can work depending on the sides.

With strawberry cake, choose elderflower cordial, alcohol-free sparkling wine or a lightly sweet sparkling wine.

Tips for a Successful Midsummer Table

Choose a few dishes and make them really good.

Prepare cold dishes the day before.

Serve food on large platters to make the table feel generous.

Mix classics with something new, such as a modern potato salad or a new herring variation.

Think about balance: salty herring, creamy sauces, fresh lemon, herbs and a sweet dessert.

The best Midsummer food is easy to share, simple to prepare and full of seasonal flavours. Focus on herring, new potatoes, salmon, pie, fresh herbs and strawberries. Add one warm dish and a fresh dessert, and you will have a Midsummer table that feels both classic and inspiring.