Description
Ina Garten’s lobster pasta salad brings coastal elegance to summer dining with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Creamy mayonnaise, tender lobster chunks, and perfectly seasoned pasta create a luxurious dish perfect for elegant gatherings on warm afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 2 cups (454 grams) cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 pound (454 grams) pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (75 grams) celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup (75 grams) red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (40 grams) red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing and Seasonings:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious cooking pot by filling it with water, generously seasoning with salt, and bringing the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully introduce the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture according to the package recommendations (approximately 7-or 200-250 grams).
- Quickly drain the pasta in a colander, then immediately rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool the pasta completely. Allow excess water to drain thoroughly.
- Create a vibrant dressing by whisking together creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, zesty Dijon mustard, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the optional Old Bay seasoning in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Select a large mixing bowl and gently fold together the cooled pasta, delicate lobster meat, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly chopped parsley.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture, using a gentle folding technique to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated without breaking the delicate lobster pieces.
- Cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of 60-90 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more harmonious and delicious salad. Serve thoroughly chilled for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Grab ultra-fresh seafood for maximum flavor and texture in your lobster pasta salad.
- Perfectly cook pasta to maintain its al dente bite and prevent mushy results.
- Balance dressing components by tasting and adjusting seasonings before final mixing.
- Chill ingredients separately to preserve individual textures and prevent sogginess.
- Allow salad to marinate in refrigerator, letting herbs and seasonings develop deeper, richer taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg