Molded Tuna Ring
A colorful molded tuna ring with creamy tomato and horseradish flavor, perfect for parties or light lunches, combining seafood, tangy sauce, and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (1 Tbsp.)
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 package softened cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared horseradish ⓘ
- dash bottled hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 or 7 oz.) can tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, soften the gelatin in cold water.
- Stir over low heat until the gelatin is dissolved.
- Stir in the can of tomato soup and beat until smooth.
- Heat thoroughly.
- Gradually blend into softened cream cheese.
- Add mayonnaise, horseradish, and hot pepper sauce.
- Beat until smooth with a rotary beater.
- Chill until partially set.
- Fold in tuna, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
- Chill overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. For a unique twist, try using flavored tuna, such as those found in Tuna Italiano. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid any lumps in your mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the molded tuna ring on a bed of lettuce or alongside fresh vegetable sticks for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with crackers or toasted baguette slices. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light salad or a side of Cajun Shrimp Balls(2 Dozen) for a delightful seafood-themed gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the molded tuna ring starts to lose its shape, it can be gently re-chilled in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molded Tuna Ring contains roughly 270 calories, with 18g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 741mg per serving (32% 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 fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh, cooked tuna for a more robust flavor. Just ensure it's flaked and drained properly before folding it into the mixture. This will give your molded tuna ring a fresher taste and a different texture compared to canned tuna.
How do I know when the gelatin is fully dissolved?
The gelatin is fully dissolved when the mixture is completely clear and there are no visible granules. Stir it over low heat until it appears uniform, which usually takes just a few minutes. If you notice any lumps, continue stirring until smooth before combining it with other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This molded tuna ring is perfect for making ahead of time. It can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure it's well-covered to maintain freshness until serving.
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).