Gazpacho Salad(4 To 6 Servings)
A refreshing chilled tomato-based salad set in a gelatin mold, featuring vibrant flavors of tomato, cucumber, chili, and onion, perfect for light summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups tomato juice
- 1 large ripe tomato ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar or pickle juice ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium-sized cucumber, chopped
- 1 peeled and seeded green chili, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Soften the gelatin in 1/4 cup of tomato juice for about 5 minutes.
- Heat 1 cup of tomato juice and add the softened gelatin, stirring until thoroughly dissolved.
- Chop the fresh tomato, reserving the juice; add vinegar and remaining tomato juice to make 1/2 cup liquid.
- Add the tomato mixture to the hot gelatin mixture along with garlic, cucumber, green chili, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a 1-quart mold.
- Chill until the gelatin is firm.
- Unmold the salad onto a bed of crisp greens before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, use heirloom tomatoes or a mix of different varieties. You can substitute the green chili with jalapeño for extra heat. If you want a smoother texture, blend the vegetables before adding them to the gelatin mixture. To enhance the salad, consider incorporating herbs like basil or cilantro, which pair beautifully with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gazpacho salad on a bed of crisp greens for added texture. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making for a light yet satisfying meal. Consider drizzling with Garlic Vinaigrette for an extra flavor boost or serving alongside Orange And Rum Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, if desired, cut the gelatin into cubes and serve chilled rather than warming, as reheating may alter the texture. It's best enjoyed cold, making it a refreshing addition to summer meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gazpacho Salad(4 To 6 Servings) contains roughly 11 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1202mg per serving (52% 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 make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this gazpacho salad is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure the gelatin you use is plant-based, such as agar-agar, which provides a similar gelling effect without any animal-derived ingredients.
What can I use instead of gelatin?
For a vegetarian option, you can replace unflavored gelatin with agar-agar or pectin, both of which will achieve similar results in setting the salad without using animal products.
How can I spice it up?
To add more spice, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also experiment with adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor that complements the fresh vegetables.
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).