Nova Scotia Mousse
A luxurious smoked salmon mousse with rich cream cheese, tangy horseradish, and caviar, perfect for elegant appetizers and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. horseradish ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light cream ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped chives ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. pink salmon ⓘ
- 4 oz. red caviar ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle 1 envelope unflavored gelatin into 1/4 cup cold water and let it stand to soften.
- Dissolve the gelatin in 1/2 cup hot light cream and let it cool.
- Mash together cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and chopped chives until smooth.
- Stir the cream cheese mixture into the cooled gelatin mixture.
- Add lemon juice, chopped parsley, horseradish, pink salmon, and chopped black olives; mix well.
- Fold in red caviar gently.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart mold and refrigerate until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less horseradish and hot pepper sauce. You can substitute pink salmon with canned tuna for a different taste. Incorporating chopped green onions can also enhance the flavor. Make sure to grease the mold well to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Nova Scotia Mousse with an assortment of crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with other seafood recipes like Tuna And Scallion Canape. Garnish with additional chives or parsley for a pop of color, and consider serving alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mousse can be enjoyed cold directly from the fridge. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in a microwave at low power, but it's best served chilled to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nova Scotia Mousse contains roughly 157 calories, with 12g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (221% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (109% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. It also contributes 9g 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 make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes, the Nova Scotia Mousse can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure it is well covered and refrigerated until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of red caviar?
If red caviar is unavailable, consider using black caviar or even capers for a similar salty bite. Alternatively, you can skip the caviar entirely if preferred, as the mousse will still be flavorful.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, simply reduce the amount of hot pepper sauce and horseradish to suit your taste. You can also add diced bell peppers for a mild crunch without adding heat.
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).