Get ready to fall in love with the tantalizing flavors of this Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender lobster meat, crisp celery, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy dressing that sings with subtle tang and a touch of fresh herbs. Whether you’re craving a refreshing summer salad or an impressive dish to bring to your next gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes with its beautiful balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in making this Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe truly shine. From the succulent lobster to the fresh herbs and creamy dressing, every element adds a layer of flavor or a delightful texture.
- 16 oz cooked lobster meat: The star of the dish, offering sweet, delicate seafood flavor.
- ½ cup chopped celery and leaves: Adds a crisp crunch and a mild, fresh bite.
- ¼ cup fresh chives: Delivers subtle onion notes and a pop of green color.
- ¼ cup chopped red onion: Provides sharp, slightly sweet contrast to the richness.
- ½ teaspoon celery salt: Enhances the celery flavor and seasons the salad perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta): Essential seasoning to bring all flavors together.
- 8 ounces DeLallo Cavatappi pasta: Its spiral shape catches the dressing beautifully, adding fun texture.
- ⅓ cup light mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing, keeping the salad luscious but not heavy.
- ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightness, balancing the mayonnaise.
How to Make Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook Lobster and Prep Ingredients
If you’re starting with live lobsters, steam them gently until just cooked—a process that usually takes about 8-10 minutes—being careful not to overcook, as lobster can become tough quickly. Once cooled, chop the lobster meat into generous 1-inch chunks that will provide satisfying bites. Meanwhile, finely chop the celery (including the leaves for extra flavor), fresh chives, and red onion, setting them aside for assembly.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your Cavatappi pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but add an extra 1-2 minutes to ensure a softer texture that complements the lobster. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down—this step is key to maintaining the perfect salad consistency.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, bring together the cooked lobster meat, crisp celery, creamy mayonnaise, tangy Greek yogurt, fresh chives, pungent red onion, celery salt, and kosher salt. Gently fold together these ingredients to evenly distribute the dressing and seasonings without breaking up the lobster chunks.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Finally, toss the cooled pasta into the lobster mixture until fully incorporated. Pop your Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe into the fridge and let it chill thoroughly for at least an hour. Chilling not only melds the flavors but also offers a refreshing coolness that makes this salad so gratifying on a warm day.
How to Serve Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped chives or celery leaves over the salad before serving for a fresh herbal aroma and a beautiful burst of green. A light drizzle of lemon juice or a few lemon wedges on the side can add a zesty brightness that complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
Side Dishes
This lobster pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, crusty artisan bread, or a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. These sides keep the meal balanced and let the lobster salad remain the star of your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out tomatoes for a beautiful seafood appetizer. Alternatively, layering the salad in mason jars makes for an attractive, portable option perfect for picnics or lunches on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover lobster pasta salad in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or snacks, though best enjoyed sooner to preserve the lobster’s delicate texture.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, freezing is not recommended for this Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe. The texture of the dressing and pasta tends to change negatively after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh.
Reheating
This dish is designed to be served cold, so reheating is not necessary or advisable. If you want a warm meal with lobster, try using fresh lobster in a warm pasta dish, but for this salad, keep it chilled for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh lobster isn’t available, high-quality frozen lobster meat is a great alternative. Just be sure to thaw it gently in the refrigerator overnight before using to maintain its texture and flavor in the salad.
What type of pasta works best for lobster pasta salad?
Cavatappi is excellent because its spirals trap the dressing and bits of lobster, but other short, sturdy pastas like rotini or elbow macaroni work well too. Just avoid long or very thin noodles, which don’t hold the ingredients as well.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To keep the lobster flavor, this salad is not suited for vegan or vegetarian diets, but you can experiment by substituting lobster with hearts of palm or artichoke hearts for a plant-based seafood alternative. Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt for a vegan adaptation.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe is fantastic for meal prep, especially if you prep the components individually and combine just before eating. Keep the dressing and lobster separate from pasta to maintain the best freshness if you prepare a few days ahead.
What can I do if I don’t like mayonnaise?
No worries! You can swap mayonnaise for more Greek yogurt or use avocado-based spreads to keep the salad creamy. Just adjust seasonings accordingly to keep that perfect balance in the dressing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and approachable, this Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a delightful way to enjoy lobster in a casual yet sophisticated setting, with the perfect blend of fresh ingredients and creamy dressing. Treat yourself and your friends to this crowd-pleaser—you won’t regret diving into every delicious bite!
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Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and creamy lobster roll pasta salad that combines tender lobster meat with cavatappi pasta, crunchy celery, and fresh herbs in a light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Lobster and Vegetables
- 16 oz cooked lobster meat (from 4 whole 1–1/4 lb lobsters or 4 tails of 4 oz each)
- ½ cup chopped celery and leaves
- ¼ cup fresh chives
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
Pasta
- 8 ounces DeLallo Cavatappi pasta
Dressing
- ⅓ cup light mayonnaise
- ¼ cup 0% fat Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Cook Lobster (if needed) and Prep Ingredients: If using raw lobster, steam it until just cooked through. Once cooled, chop the cooked lobster meat into 1-inch chunks. Chop the celery, fresh chives, and red onion finely.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package directions, extending the time by 1–2 minutes for a softer texture. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped lobster meat, celery, light mayonnaise, 0% fat Greek yogurt, fresh chives, chopped red onion, celery salt, and kosher salt. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Add Pasta and Toss: Add the cooled pasta to the lobster mixture and toss to coat all the pasta evenly with the dressing and ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate thoroughly for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
Notes
- Using cooked lobster meat saves time, but freshly steamed lobster adds the best flavor.
- Rinsing pasta under cold water stops the cooking and helps keep the salad cool and refreshing.
- Adjust celery salt and kosher salt to taste depending on saltiness preference.
- This salad is best served cold and can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For a richer salad, substitute light mayonnaise with full-fat mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
