Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe
If you love the fresh, buttery taste of lobster and want to enjoy it in a fun, hearty way, this Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe is just the ticket. It captures everything we adore about a classic lobster roll but adds a delightful twist by mixing in tender pasta, crisp celery, and a light, creamy dressing. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a special weeknight dinner, this dish combines vibrant colors, luxurious texture, and bright flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple yet distinct ingredients that each play their part in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Everything from luscious lobster meat to fresh chives works together to give this salad its character, making it both satisfying and refreshing.
- 16 oz cooked lobster meat: Use meat from 4 whole lobsters or tails for the freshest, sweetest lobster flavor.
- ½ cup chopped celery and leaves: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that brightens the dish.
- ¼ cup fresh chives: Provides a mild oniony note and a pop of green color.
- ¼ cup chopped red onion: Delivers a subtle bite and beautiful vibrant hue.
- ½ teaspoon celery salt: Gives a savory depth and enhances the natural celery flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the tastes to life.
- 8 ounces DeLallo Cavatappi pasta: Its corkscrew shape holds dressing perfectly, adding excellent texture.
- ⅓ cup light mayonnaise: Adds creaminess without overpowering the delicate lobster.
- ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt: Boosts tanginess and lightens the dressing for a fresh finish.
How to Make Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook Lobster (if needed) and Prep Ingredients
If you’re starting with raw lobster, the first step is steaming the lobsters just until they’re perfectly cooked—you want tender, not rubbery. Once cooled, chop the lobster meat into generous 1-inch chunks to keep that satisfying bite. While that’s resting, chop your celery, chives, and red onion finely; these will bring that fresh crunch and slight zestiness that contrasts so beautifully with the lobster.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the DeLallo Cavatappi pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but add an extra minute or two for a softer, more tender texture that melds wonderfully with the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking and cool it quickly—this step ensures the pasta stays perfectly al dente and doesn’t clump.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently fold together the lobster meat, celery, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chives, red onion, celery salt, and kosher salt. The mayo and yogurt dressing brings just the right level of creaminess and tang, letting the lobster’s natural sweetness shine through. Stir carefully so the lobster chunks maintain their shape and texture.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Add the cooled pasta to the lobster mixture and toss everything until evenly coated. Pop the salad into the fridge to chill thoroughly; this step deepens the flavors and makes the whole salad refreshingly cool and perfect for warm days. Once chilled, it’s ready to dazzle your guests or delight your family’s taste buds.
How to Serve Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle additional fresh chives or finely chopped celery leaves on top for an inviting, fresh look. A light drizzle of lemon juice or a few lemon zest curls can elevate the flavors with a citrus brightness that complements the lobster beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad with vinaigrette or a chilled cucumber salad. If you want something more hearty, try serving it alongside grilled vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the creamy dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out mini bell peppers to create charming single servings. You can also spoon it into buttery brioche rolls for a fusion of classic lobster roll and pasta salad that will wow any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This pasta salad keeps well for up to 2 days, during which the flavors harmonize even more, but the pasta may soak up some dressing over time, so a quick stir before serving is recommended.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this salad because the texture of both the pasta and the lobster can degrade when thawed, turning mushy or rubbery. For optimal freshness and enjoyment, enjoy the salad fresh within the first couple of days.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmed, consider reheating just the lobster and tossing it with fresh pasta and dressing instead of warming the entire salad.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure the lobster meat is fully thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture diluting the salad’s flavor and texture.
What kind of pasta works best for this salad?
Cavatappi is ideal because its spiral shape traps the dressing and bits of lobster beautifully, but you can also use elbow macaroni or small shells if needed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the Greek yogurt with extra mayonnaise or a dairy-free alternative, keeping the flavors balanced while maintaining that creamy texture.
Is it better to use whole lobsters or just tails?
Both work well. Whole lobsters give you more meat variety and a traditional feel, but tails are more convenient and quicker to prepare without compromising flavor.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
For best results, prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it chilled. This allows the flavors to meld, but the lobster and pasta will stay fresh and tender.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe that feels both indulgent and refreshing all at once. Whether you’re treating yourself or entertaining friends, this recipe offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a new favorite. Dive in and enjoy every creamy, crunchy, lobster-packed bite!
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Lobster Roll Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lobster Roll Pasta Salad combines succulent chunks of cooked lobster with a creamy blend of light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, enhanced by the fresh crunch of celery, chives, and red onion. The tender Cavatappi pasta adds a delightful texture, making this salad a perfect cool, refreshing dish ideal for summer lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
Lobster and Vegetables
- 16 oz cooked lobster meat (from 4 whole lobsters – 1–1/4 lb each or 4 lobster tails – 4 oz each)
- ½ cup chopped celery and leaves
- ¼ cup fresh chives
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
Pasta and Dressing
- 8 ounces DeLallo Cavatappi pasta
- ⅓ cup light mayonnaise
- ¼ cup 0% Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Cook Lobster (if needed) and Prep Ingredients: If starting with raw lobster, steam the lobsters until they are just cooked through, then chop the lobster meat into 1-inch chunks. Meanwhile, chop celery and its leaves, fresh chives, and red onion finely to prepare for mixing.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot filled with salted water to a rolling boil. Add the Cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions, increasing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes for a softer texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop further cooking and cool it down.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lobster meat, chopped celery, light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chives, red onion, celery salt, and kosher salt. Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the flavors.
- Chill and Serve: Add the cooled pasta to the lobster mixture and toss gently to combine well. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator thoroughly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to be served cool and refreshing.
Notes
- Steaming lobster until just cooked prevents toughness and keeps the meat tender for the salad.
- Rinsing pasta under cold water after cooking stops it from overcooking and removes excess starch, helping the salad remain light and non-sticky.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance and kept chilled to deepen the flavors.
- Substitute light mayonnaise and 0% Greek yogurt for a healthier, lower-fat dressing option.
- Use fresh herbs and vegetables to add brightness and texture to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
