Lobster Roll Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic lobster roll, perfect for a summer gathering. Below are the detailed ingredients needed to create this refreshing dish.
INGREDIENTS
- Cooked Lobster Meat: 16 oz, from 4 1-1/4 lb whole lobsters or 4 4 oz tails. Provides a rich and succulent base for the salad.
- Chopped Celery and Leaves: 1/2 cup. Adds a crisp texture and fresh flavor.
- Light Mayonnaise: 1/3 cup. Provides creaminess without too much heaviness.
- 0% Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup. Adds a tangy and creamy element while keeping the dish light.
- Fresh Chives: 1/4 cup. Adds a mild onion flavor and bright color.
- Chopped Red Onion: 1/4 cup. Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch.
- Celery Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the celery.
- Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, plus more for pasta. Balances the flavors of the salad.
- DeLallo Cavatappi Pasta: 8 ounces. Provides a sturdy and curly base that holds up well in the salad.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Prep all the ingredients. If your lobster is raw, steam it until just cooked.
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to directions. It's best to cook it 1 to 2 minutes longer than al dente when preparing for a cold pasta salad. Drain and run the pasta under cold water to cool.
- Step 3:
- Remove the cooked lobster from the shell and chop into large chunks, about 1 inch.
- Step 4:
- In a large bowl, toss the lobster, pasta, celery, light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh chives, chopped red onion, celery salt, and kosher salt together. Ensure everything is well combined.
- Step 5:
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Lobster Roll Pasta Salad cold, straight from the refrigerator.
- This dish pairs well with a light white wine or iced tea for a refreshing meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a different twist, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for extra brightness.
Helpful Notes
- Using fresh, high-quality lobster will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the lobster with shrimp for a different take on this salad.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; you may want to add a bit more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: "For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients and let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving."
- Chef Bobby Flay: "Adding a touch of cayenne pepper can give the salad a slight kick and enhance the flavors."
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "Using Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise makes the salad lighter and adds a nice tang."