Tomato-Shrimp Aspic Salad
This recipe guides you through creating a classic Tomato-Shrimp Aspic Salad. Lemon gelatin forms a savory, chilled base infused with tomato, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Fresh celery, green onions, and cooked baby shrimp are suspended within, creating a unique molded salad. It's served on crisp lettuce and garnished with mayonnaise, offering a refreshing and nostalgic culinary experience.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Saucepan For boiling water
- 1 Measuring Cups/Spoons
- 1 9x5 inch Loaf Pan Or equivalent mold
- 1 Whisk or Spoon
Ingredients
Main
- 1 3 1/2 ounce package lemon gelatin (Jell-o regular or sugar free)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar white or cider
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash pepper
- 1/2 cup celery chopped
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 cup baby shrimp fresh (cooked)
- lettuce for serving
- mayonnaise for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon gelatin with 1 1/2 cups boiling water, stirring continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the gelatin mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes, ensuring it is no longer hot before proceeding to the next step.
- Once cooled, gently fold in the chopped celery, sliced green onions, and cooked baby shrimp into the gelatin mixture.
- Carefully pour the entire mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan or individual molds, ensuring the solid ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate the aspic for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely and become firm.
- To unmold, briefly dip the bottom of the mold in warm water (avoiding water contact with the aspic) or carefully run a thin knife around the edges of the loaf pan.
- Invert the set aspic onto a serving platter.
- Arrange fresh lettuce leaves around the base of the aspic for presentation and serving.
- Garnish generously with dollops of mayonnaise just before serving to add richness and flavor.
Notes
Aspic preparation demands precise temperature control for optimal setting. Ensure the water is truly boiling to fully dissolve the gelatin, then allow the mixture to cool considerably before incorporating fresh ingredients like shrimp and vegetables. This prevents cooking them prematurely and maintains their texture. Ample chilling time, ideally overnight, is crucial for a firm, stable aspic. For effortless unmolding, lightly oil the mold or line it with plastic wrap. The quality of cooked baby shrimp significantly impacts flavor, so select fresh, plump ones. This dish is a classic retro salad; embrace its unique chilled, savory-sweet profile. Serve well-chilled on crisp lettuce with a generous dollop of high-quality mayonnaise for a rich counterpoint.