Salmon Mousse With Dill
A silky salmon mousse infused with fresh dill, lemon, and savory flavors, perfect for elegant appetizers or brunch gatherings, served with crackers or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water or clam juice
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt or low-fat yogurt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream or nonfat sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 (7 3/4 oz) cans sockeye salmon, drained and skin removed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over cold water or clam juice; let stand until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Warm over medium heat until gelatin is dissolved; let cool to room temperature.
- Stir in dill, onion, lemon juice, salt, Tabasco, yogurt, sour cream, and celery.
- Refrigerate until mixture begins to set.
- Process salmon in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Mix the processed salmon into the gelatin mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into a 4-cup mold.
- Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours.
- Unmold onto a serving plate and surround with crackers, Melba toast, or fresh vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. If you prefer a milder flavor, use fresh dill sparingly, or substitute with parsley. You can also experiment by adding a hint of garlic powder for extra depth. Make sure the gelatin mixture is completely cooled before mixing in the yogurt and sour cream to avoid curdling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salmon mousse chilled, garnished with fresh dill or lemon slices for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with crackers, Melba toast, or a fresh vegetable platter. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a crisp salad or browsing more American recipes for complementary dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the mousse becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture of the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salmon Mousse With Dill contains roughly 125 calories, with 11g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1921mg per serving (84% 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 salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded fresh salmon instead of canned. Just ensure that it's fully cooked and finely flaked for a similar texture. Adjust the seasoning to taste since fresh salmon may have a different flavor profile compared to canned.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the salmon mousse gluten-free, ensure that any crackers or accompaniments you serve are labeled gluten-free. The mousse itself is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat ingredients, so you can enjoy it without worry.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salmon mousse can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it and let it set in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings or celebrations.
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).