Cucumber Mousse
Cucumber Mousse is a light, refreshing dish featuring pureed cucumbers combined with tangy sour cream and vinegar, set in a delicate lime gelatin. Perfect as a chilled appetizer or side, it offers a cool, creamy texture with crisp cucumber bites, making it ideal for summer gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and coarsely grate the cucumbers.
- Wrap the grated cucumbers in a paper towel and squeeze gently to remove all juice.
- Dissolve the lime gelatin and salt in boiling water.
- Add cold water and vinegar to the gelatin mixture.
- Fold in the sour cream and chill the mixture until it thickens.
- Fold in the prepared cucumbers, chopped onion, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased mold and chill until firm.
- Serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Cucumber Mousse, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or mint. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Make sure to properly squeeze the cucumbers to avoid a watery mousse, which could affect the texture. For a fun twist, try incorporating diced tomatoes for added color and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cucumber Mousse as a refreshing appetizer or a light side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, and is perfect for warm weather gatherings. Consider serving it alongside a crisp salad or with crusty bread. For a complete meal, try it with Cream Of Carrot Soup With Homemade Croutons.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cucumber Mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing it as the gelatin may not set properly upon thawing. Simply serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Mousse contains roughly 75 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1246mg per serving (54% 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 different flavors of gelatin in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of gelatin, but keep in mind that the taste will change. Lime is recommended for its refreshing profile, but lemon or orange could also work well. Just ensure the flavor complements the cucumbers and other ingredients.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version of Cucumber Mousse, substitute sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream. Ensure the gelatin is replaced with agar-agar or another vegan gelatin alternative for the proper texture.
How long does it take for the mousse to set?
Typically, the Cucumber Mousse will take about 2-4 hours to set in the refrigerator. It's best to prepare it ahead of time, allowing it to chill until firm. If you're short on time, placing it in the freezer for a short period can help speed up the process, but be careful not to freeze it completely.
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).