Creamy Cucumber Mousse
Creamy cucumber mousse offers a refreshing blend of cucumbers, herbs, and creamy cheeses, perfect as a light appetizer or party dish for sophisticated entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cucumber, 1 tablespoon salt and 3 tablespoons vinegar, let stand one hour.
- Drain thoroughly.
- Sprinkle gelatin over water and let stand 5 minutes.
- Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin dissolves.
- Whisk gelatin into sour cream.
- Beat cream cheese with cottage cheese using an electric mixer.
- Gradually beat in sour cream mixture.
- Stir in cucumber, parsley, chives, onion, sugar, and remaining vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour into a lightly oiled 5-cup mold and chill until set, about 4 hours.
- Unmold and serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of lemon juice to the mixture. If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. For those with dietary restrictions, use plant-based cream cheese and cottage cheese. Make sure to adjust salt levels according to taste preferences, as the salt from the cucumber can vary.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy cucumber mousse is perfect as a refreshing appetizer or light snack. Serve it with crackers or toasted baguette slices for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Green Beans With Almonds for a complete meal. Garnish with extra chopped herbs for an added touch of freshness, or serve alongside a crisp green salad for a well-rounded dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mousse can become watery over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving. It's not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture may change once thawed. Serve chilled for the best flavor and consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Cucumber Mousse contains roughly 201 calories, with 9g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 657mg per serving (29% 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 other vegetables in this mousse?
While cucumbers are traditional, you can experiment with other vegetables like pureed cooked carrots or zucchini for different flavors. Just ensure they are well-drained to maintain the mousse's consistency. Mixing in some finely chopped bell peppers can also add a nice crunch and color.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this creamy cucumber mousse is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat or fish products. To make it vegan, you can substitute the cream cheese and cottage cheese with plant-based alternatives. Additionally, check the gelatin brand for vegetarian options such as agar-agar.
How do I know when the mousse is set?
The mousse is set when it is firm to the touch and holds its shape after being unmolded. Typically, chilling for about 4 hours is sufficient, but you can leave it overnight for optimal firmness. If unsure, gently poke the surface; it should feel solid and not jiggle excessively.
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).