Shrimp Or Tuna Salad
A creamy seafood salad combining shrimp or tuna with vegetables and a gelatin base, ideal for elegant cold dishes or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dilute the gelatin in cold water.
- Heat the tomato soup and add it to the gelatin mixture.
- Mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add the cream cheese mixture to the gelatin and soup mixture.
- Stir in chopped green pepper, chopped celery, and drained tuna or chopped shrimp.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish or ring mold.
- Chill until set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the tuna with canned chicken if preferred. Make sure to fully dissolve the gelatin in cold water to avoid lumps. Adding some lemon juice can brighten the flavors, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the dish's freshness. This salad is similar to Delightful Crab Salad in texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad on a bed of lettuce for a refreshing presentation. It pairs beautifully with crackers or toasted baguette slices. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup or a fresh fruit salad. This dish works well as a light lunch or as part of a picnic spread, similar to Tuna On A Bun.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gelatin may continue to set, so if it becomes too firm, you can add a little extra mayonnaise to loosen it. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Or Tuna Salad contains roughly 1018 calories, with 23g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1234mg per serving (54% 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 a different type of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the tuna with crab meat or even diced cooked chicken for a different flavor profile. Be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly, as different seafoods may have varying saltiness and flavors.
Is it necessary to use Philadelphia cream cheese?
While Philadelphia cream cheese is recommended for its smooth texture, you can use any brand of cream cheese. Just ensure it’s softened well for easy mixing. Low-fat or whipped cream cheese can also work, but may slightly alter the creaminess of the salad.
How long does it take for the salad to set?
Typically, the salad will take about 4 hours to set in the refrigerator, but for best results, allow it to chill overnight. This ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully and the texture is firm enough to slice or scoop.
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).