Imagine a dish that transports you back to mid-century dinner parties, where gelatin reigned supreme and creativity knew no bounds! The Tuna Waldorf Salad Mold is not just a recipe; it's a delicious time machine that combines the classic flavors of tuna, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts in a spectacular molded masterpiece. Whether you're a vintage food enthusiast or a curious culinary explorer, this unique dish promises to surprise and delight your taste buds with its unexpected texture and classic American flavors.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package gelatin
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cans of drained tuna, 1 cup of diced apples, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 package of gelatin.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin according to the package instructions. This usually involves mixing the gelatin powder with a specific amount of cold water and letting it sit for a few minutes to bloom, then heating it gently until fully dissolved.
- While the gelatin is blooming, prepare the other ingredients. Drain the tuna thoroughly and place it in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to flake the tuna into smaller pieces.
- Add the diced apples and chopped walnuts to the bowl with the tuna. Make sure the apples are diced into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth. This mixture will add creaminess and a hint of acidity to balance the flavors.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the tuna, apples, and walnuts. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated with the mayonnaise mixture.
- Once the gelatin is fully dissolved, allow it to cool slightly but not set. Gradually pour the gelatin into the tuna mixture, stirring gently to ensure even distribution without breaking up the tuna.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed for your preference.
- Prepare a mold or a serving dish by lightly greasing it with a little oil or non-stick spray to help with the release later. Spoon the tuna mixture into the mold, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover the mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the salad is set and firm. If you're short on time, aim for at least 2 hours, but longer is better for the best texture.
- Once set, carefully run a knife around the edges of the mold to loosen the salad. Invert the mold onto a serving platter and gently tap to release the salad.
- Slice the Tuna Waldorf Salad Mold into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Ensure your gelatin is fresh and properly dissolved for the best set and texture.
- Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly.
- Use high-quality, well-drained tuna for the best taste and consistency.
- Allow sufficient chilling time - patience is key to achieving the perfect mold.
- For a smoother release, run the mold briefly under warm water before inverting.
- Experiment with different mold shapes to make your presentation unique.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or additional chopped walnuts for extra visual appeal.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 239kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
