Holiday Shrimp Aspic
A festive, savory shrimp aspic with creamy tomato flavor, crunchy vegetables, and tender shrimp, perfect for holiday gatherings and cold appetizers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the condensed tomato soup to boiling; remove from heat.
- Add the cream cheese or sour cream to the hot soup and beat until blended.
- Meanwhile, soak the unflavored gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
- Add the soaked gelatin to the hot soup mixture, stirring until the gelatin is dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool, but not thicken.
- Stir in the mayonnaise, chopped celery, chopped green peppers, chopped green onions, pimento, and small shrimp.
- Pour the mixture into a mold.
- Place in the refrigerator until the aspic is set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use sour cream instead of cream cheese. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt. Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved before cooling the mixture to avoid lumps. You can also add herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor. This dish is a fun twist on traditional seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Shrimp Aspic is perfect for festive gatherings. Serve it alongside crackers or toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer. It also pairs beautifully with Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes for a refreshing contrast. Consider a light salad with vinaigrette as a side to balance the richness of the aspic.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve again, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Shrimp Aspic contains roughly 233 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein.
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 fresh shrimp instead of canned?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used! Just make sure to cook and cool them before adding to the mixture. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your aspic.
How long does it take for the aspic to set?
Typically, it takes about 4-6 hours for the aspic to set in the refrigerator. For best results, consider making it a day in advance to ensure it has enough time to firm up.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While traditional aspic uses gelatin, you can substitute it with agar-agar for a vegetarian version. Just follow the package instructions for the correct setting ratios.
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).