Jellied Chicken Or Tuna Salad
A light, jellied salad combining tender tuna or chicken with savory olives, capers, and eggs, set in a delicate gelatin mold. Perfect for elegant gatherings and cold appetizers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the drained tuna or cubed chicken, chopped hard boiled eggs, chopped stuffed olives, chopped shallots or onions, and capers in a mixing bowl.
- Soften the Knox gelatin in cold water in a measuring cup.
- Place the measuring cup in a pan of boiling water, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Stir the dissolved gelatin into the mayonnaise until well blended.
- Mix the gelatin-mayo mixture thoroughly with the tuna or chicken mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/4 quart ring mold or individual molds.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or longer until set.
- Serve garnished with watercress; no salad dressing is needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also add diced celery or bell peppers for extra crunch. If you prefer chicken, rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute that adds flavor. Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid clumps in your salad. This dish can also be prepared a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This jellied chicken or tuna salad is best served cold, garnished with watercress for a fresh touch. Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful contrast in texture. It also makes a fantastic addition to a picnic spread or as part of a buffet. For more seafood options, browse more American recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, though this dish is best served chilled. If you find the texture changes slightly after refrigeration, consider serving it over a bed of greens or alongside crackers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jellied Chicken Or Tuna Salad contains roughly 227 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
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 a different type of gelatin?
Yes, you can use flavored gelatin if you want to add a unique twist to the dish, but it will change the flavor profile. Ensure that the gelatin is unflavored if you want to maintain the traditional taste of the salad.
How long will the jellied salad keep in the fridge?
The jellied salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it's covered well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods. If it starts to separate, simply give it a gentle stir before serving.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even peas for added color and nutrition. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as too much can affect the setting of the gelatin.
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).