Avocado Mousse
Creamy avocado mousse with lemon and herbs, topped with shrimp for an elegant appetizer perfect for parties and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly oil a 1 1/2-quart ring mold.
- In a large bowl, soften the gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water.
- Add 1 cup boiling water and the lemon juice to the gelatin mixture.
- Chill until slightly thickened.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the pureed avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, cayenne, onion salt, and dill weed.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Fold the gelatin mixture into the avocado mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared mold.
- Refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours.
- Unmold onto a serving platter and garnish with cooked small shrimp if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ripe avocados. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid a grainy texture. Adding a touch of lime juice can enhance the flavor profile. This mousse can also be made into individual servings in small cups instead of a ring mold for easy serving.
Serving Suggestions
This avocado mousse pairs beautifully with Broiled Open-Faced Crab Sandwiches for a delightful seafood-themed meal. Garnish with additional shrimp on top before serving. It can also be served as a unique appetizer at parties alongside fresh vegetable sticks or crackers. Consider serving with a light salad to balance the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mousse may lose some of its texture but should still be delicious. It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the avocado may change upon thawing. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Avocado Mousse contains roughly 99 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 892mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of gelatin?
While unflavored gelatin is recommended for this recipe, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian substitute. Follow the package instructions for proper ratios, and keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly. Make sure to dissolve it fully for the best results.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you prefer a healthier option or want to avoid mayonnaise, you can replace it with plain Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. This will maintain the creaminess while adding a tangy flavor. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, as these substitutes can alter the overall taste.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this avocado mousse vegan, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or a plant-based yogurt. Ensure that the gelatin is replaced with a vegan gelatin alternative like agar-agar. This will allow you to enjoy a similar texture and flavor without animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).