Tomato Salad Mold
A refreshing tomato salad mold featuring diced tomatoes, green peppers, and cucumbers set in a tangy Italian dressing and tomato juice gelatin, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, sprinkle gelatine over tomato juice.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatine is dissolved.
- Add Italian dressing and stir to combine.
- Chill the mixture until it begins to thicken.
- Fold in diced tomato, green pepper, and cucumber.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart mold or six individual molds.
- Chill until the salad is firm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Tomato Salad Mold, consider using a homemade Italian dressing instead of store-bought for a fresher taste. If you're looking for a vegan option, substitute the gelatine with agar-agar. Make sure to allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the vegetables to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato Salad Mold is a refreshing appetizer that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a light lunch with crusty bread. Consider serving it alongside Beet-Pineapple Salad for a colorful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be served chilled straight from the fridge. If you notice it becoming too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Salad Mold contains roughly 171 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 716mg per serving (31% 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 tomatoes instead of canned tomato juice?
While canned tomato juice provides a consistent flavor, you can use fresh tomatoes blended into a juice. Just make sure to strain the mixture to achieve a smooth consistency before adding gelatine.
What can I do if the gelatine doesn't set properly?
If your Tomato Salad Mold doesn't set, it may be due to insufficient gelatine or not allowing enough time to chill. Ensure you follow the measurements closely, and allow at least 4 hours in the refrigerator for proper setting.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it as directed, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier for your event.
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).