Cold Salmon Mousse(Appetizer Or Light Entree)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A light, elegant appetizer featuring creamy salmon mousse with a hint of spice, garnished with watercress and deviled eggs, perfect for sophisticated gatherings or brunch.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (1 lb.) can red salmon
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • dash of cayenne
  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 c. cold water
  • 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • 1/4 c. whipping cream
  • watercress
  • 4 deviled or hard-cooked eggs

Instructions

  1. Drain the salmon and discard bones.
  2. Mash the salmon well with a fork and combine with lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water to soften.
  4. Place the softened gelatin in a double boiler and stir until dissolved.
  5. Add the dissolved gelatin to the salmon mixture, then fold in mayonnaise and whipped cream.
  6. Pour the mixture into a 1-quart mold and chill until firm.
  7. Unmold onto a cold serving platter and garnish with watercress and halved deviled or hard-cooked eggs.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, blend the salmon mixture in a food processor instead of mashing by hand. You can substitute the red salmon with canned tuna for a different flavor profile. If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Adding fresh herbs like dill can enhance the taste, making it a great addition to seafood recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This Cold Salmon Mousse is perfect as an appetizer or light entree. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or with crackers for a delightful contrast. For a unique twist, pair it with Baked Cod With Crabmeat for a seafood-themed meal that guests will love.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the mousse in the microwave for a few seconds, but it's best enjoyed cold. If you'd like to serve it again, consider pairing it with fresh herbs or crackers for a delightful snack.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cold Salmon Mousse(Appetizer Or Light Entree) contains roughly 314 calories, with 7g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (136% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 968mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

314 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.4g 15% DV
Total Fat 24.3g 31% DV
Carbs 33.1g 12% DV
Fiber 15.5g 55% DV
Sugar 6.1g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 968.4mg 42% DV
Potassium 1176.2mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 10.5mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1220.5mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 45.8mg 51% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 99.4mg 8% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Fish

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 make this salmon mousse ahead of time?

Yes, this mousse can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure it is tightly wrapped and stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining, allowing you to focus on other dishes.

What can I use instead of gelatin?

If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative to gelatin, consider using agar-agar as a thickening agent. It provides a similar texture without animal products, making it suitable for a wider range of dietary preferences.

Is it necessary to use whipping cream?

While whipping cream adds a luxurious texture, you can substitute it with a lighter option, like skim milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, to reduce calories. Just keep in mind that the final mousse may have a different consistency.

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).

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