Mystery Tomato Salad– The Black Family Reunion Cookbook – Black Foodie Finder

A Retro Tomato Gelatin Salad with a Creamy Horseradish Dressing

Elegant, tangy, and unmistakably vintage, Mystery Tomato Salad is a classic molded salad that blends stewed tomatoes, raspberry gelatin, lemon juice, and a touch of hot pepper sauce into a colorful chilled dish. Served with a creamy horseradish dressing, this unique recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors that made molded salads a favorite at church suppers, holiday buffets, and family reunions.

Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this nostalgic recipe celebrates an era when creative gelatin molds were a staple of Southern entertaining. Its striking presentation and refreshing flavor make it a memorable addition to any vintage-inspired menu.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

Mold

• 1 package (6-serving size) raspberry-flavor gelatin
• ¾ cup boiling water
• 2 cans (14½ ounces) stewed tomatoes
• 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
• 4 dashes hot pepper sauce

Horseradish Salad Dressing

• 1 cup dairy sour cream
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• ½ teaspoon salt

Makes: 6 to 8 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Lightly coat a 4- to 5-cup mold with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, dissolve the raspberry gelatin in the boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
3. Mash the drained stewed tomatoes and stir them into the gelatin along with the lemon juice and hot pepper sauce.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared mold and refrigerate until completely firm.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by combining the sour cream, prepared horseradish, and salt. Stir until smooth and well blended.
6. Carefully unmold the gelatin onto a serving platter and serve with the horseradish dressing.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Drain the stewed tomatoes well to help the mold set properly.
• Prepare the mold a day in advance for the best texture and easy serving.
• Adjust the hot pepper sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
• Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for a classic vintage presentation.
• Pair with roasted meats or ham as a refreshing holiday side dish.

About the Cookbook

Compiled by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., The Black Family Reunion Cookbook preserves treasured African American family recipes that celebrate heritage, hospitality, and community. Alongside beloved Southern classics, the cookbook includes nostalgic molded salads like Mystery Tomato Mold, reflecting the creativity and entertaining traditions that brought generations together around the table.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a treasured collection of heritage recipes, family favorites, and regional specialties that honor the enduring traditions of African American cooking.