Molded Tuna Mousse
A creamy, savory tuna mousse with fresh herbs and cucumber, ideal for elegant appetizers or light servings at gatherings, combining smooth texture with refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup boiling chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp minced green onion
- 1 tsp prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz) can tuna drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded cucumber ⓘ
Instructions
- Soften gelatin in lemon juice in a large mixer bowl.
- Add boiling chicken broth and stir to dissolve the gelatin.
- Add mayonnaise, milk, chopped parsley, minced green onion, prepared mustard, dried dill weed, and pepper. Beat until well mixed.
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Beat the mixture until frothy.
- Fold in drained and flaked tuna and shredded cucumber.
- Turn the mixture into a 2-cup mold.
- Chill for 3 hours or until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of hot sauce for a kick. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dried ones, adjusting amounts to taste. If you want to make it more colorful, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
This tuna mousse is best served chilled, and it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or whole grain crackers. Consider serving it as part of a light lunch or as an appetizer for a gathering. For an elegant touch, garnish with additional chopped parsley or cucumber slices. It also works well as part of a buffet spread alongside dishes like Chicken Creamy Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mousse can be served cold, so there's no need to reheat it. If you prefer a firmer texture, allow it to chill a bit longer before serving. Always check for freshness before consuming leftovers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molded Tuna Mousse contains roughly 70 calories, with 6g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked tuna in this recipe. Just ensure it is well-drained and flaked to achieve the right texture. Fresh tuna may provide a richer flavor, but you will need to cook it beforehand and allow it to cool before mixing it into the mousse.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this mousse, replace the tuna with mashed chickpeas or white beans for a similar texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure your gelatin is plant-based, like agar-agar, for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
What can I serve with tuna mousse?
Tuna mousse pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with toast points, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It also goes nicely alongside a light salad or even as part of a larger spread for a brunch or lunch, complementing other dishes like Super-Crisp Country Fried Chicken.
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).