Chicken Aspic Salad
A visually appealing cold chicken aspic salad featuring tender chicken, crisp celery, and a flavorful tomato and chicken stock gelatin base. Perfect for entertaining or light summer meals, it offers a refreshing, savory taste with a delightful texture that appeals to fans of classic cold salads and aspics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle 1 envelope of plain gelatin into the cold tomato juice.
- Heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a dash of Tabasco.
- Set aside to cool.
- In a separate saucepan, sprinkle 1 envelope of gelatin into the chicken stock.
- Heat and stir until the gelatin is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Let the mixture cool.
- Add the cooked, diced chicken, diced celery, and green pepper to the cooled chicken stock mixture.
- Pour half of this mixture into a Pam-coated loaf pan and chill until firm.
- When firm, add the tomato aspic mixture on top.
- When the aspic is almost firm, spread the remaining chicken mixture over the top.
- Chill until completely set.
- Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock and replace diced chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Ensure the gelatin used is plant-based if needed. When preparing the aspic, make sure to allow each layer to cool slightly before adding the next to prevent mixing. Also, consider adding herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Aspic Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing presentation. It pairs perfectly with a light vinaigrette or a side of Creamy Cauliflower Soup for a complete meal. For a colorful plate, serve alongside sliced tomatoes or pickled vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave or allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid reheating the entire dish as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Aspic Salad contains roughly 67 calories, with 4g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1383mg per serving (60% 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 store-bought gelatin for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought gelatin, but be sure to check the package for the correct measurement equivalent to the envelopes used in this recipe. Remember that different brands may vary in strength, so adjust accordingly.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the chicken mixture. Additionally, you can use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought for a richer taste. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also add depth to the aspic.
How long does this dish take to set?
The Chicken Aspic Salad typically takes about 4-6 hours to set completely in the refrigerator. It’s best to prepare it a day in advance, allowing ample time for the layers to firm up properly for a clean slice.
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).