Ina Garten Lobster Pasta Salad is made with pasta, lobster, cherry tomatoes, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. This easy Lobster Pasta Salad recipe makes a fancy and tasty salad that takes about 30 minutes to make and serves 6 people.
? Why You’ll Love This Lobster Pasta Salad Recipe:
- Gourmet Flavor: The combination of fresh lobster, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
- Perfect for Summer: This chilled salad is refreshing and light, ideal for hot summer days and outdoor gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this salad in advance, which is great for entertaining or meal prepping.
- Customizable: The recipe allows for flexibility with ingredients, so you can adjust the vegetables or add seasonings to suit your taste.
? Ina Garten Lobster Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
- 2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
? How To Make Ina Garten Lobster Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Cool the pasta: Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (if using).
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, lobster meat, cherry tomatoes, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
? Recipe Tips:
- Use fresh lobster: Fresh lobster meat tastes best. If you can’t find fresh, good-quality frozen lobster meat is fine.
- Cool pasta and lobster separately: Chill the cooked pasta and lobster meat separately before mixing. This keeps the salad fresh and the pasta firm.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s just firm. Overcooked pasta can get too soft in the salad.
- Taste the dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. If it’s too tangy, add more mayonnaise. If it’s bland, add more lemon juice or mustard.
- Let flavors mix: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This makes the flavors taste better together.
? What To Serve With Lobster Pasta Salad?
Lobster Pasta Salad pairs well with garlic bread, a green salad, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob. It also can be served alongside roasted potatoes, coleslaw, fresh fruit salad, or steamed asparagus for a full, delicious meal.
? How To Store Leftovers Lobster Pasta Salad?
- Refrigerate: Store the lobster pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables may not thaw well.
FAQ’S
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or even rotini. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente.
Can I Use Imitation Lobster Meat?
While fresh or high-quality frozen lobster meat is best, you can use imitation lobster meat if needed. The flavor won’t be as rich, but it will still work.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Salad?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, or green onions. Just chop them finely to match the other ingredients.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make the salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle toss before serving.
Ina Garten Lobster Pasta Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 326
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 18g
More Ina Garten Recipes:
- Ina Garten Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Ina Garten German Potato Salad
- Ina Garten Avocado Grapefruit Salad
- Ina Garten Celery Salad
Ina Garten Lobster Pasta Salad
Description
Ina Garten Lobster Pasta Salad is made with pasta, lobster, cherry tomatoes, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. This easy Lobster Pasta Salad recipe makes a fancy and tasty salad that takes about 30 minutes to make and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Cool the pasta: Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (if using).
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, lobster meat, cherry tomatoes, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh lobster: Fresh lobster meat tastes best. If you can’t find fresh, good-quality frozen lobster meat is fine.
- Cool pasta and lobster separately: Chill the cooked pasta and lobster meat separately before mixing. This keeps the salad fresh and the pasta firm.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s just firm. Overcooked pasta can get too soft in the salad.
- Taste the dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. If it’s too tangy, add more mayonnaise. If it’s bland, add more lemon juice or mustard.
- Let flavors mix: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This makes the flavors taste better together.