
Chef's Tip
Chill the salad plates in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before assembling. The cold plate helps keep the delicate greens and lobster at the perfect temperature during serving, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Instructions
- If using whole cooked lobsters, remove meat from claws, knuckles, and tails. Cut into 1/2-inch chunks, checking for any shell fragments.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced shallot.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.
- Stir in chopped tarragon, chives, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, gently toss lobster meat with 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Allow to marinate for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with enough vinaigrette to lightly coat the leaves.
- Arrange dressed greens on chilled plates. Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, diced avocado, and red onion.
- Place the marinated lobster meat on top of the salad.
- Drizzle with a small amount of additional vinaigrette and sprinkle with fresh ground pepper.
Plating
Arrange the dressed greens in the center of chilled plates, creating a small mound. Place the vegetables artfully around the greens, then top with the marinated lobster chunks positioned in the center. Drizzle a small amount of extra vinaigrette over the lobster and around the plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs and a twist of lemon.
Storage & Reheating
The dressed salad greens and assembled salad will not keep well once dressed. However, the vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Cooked lobster meat can be refrigerated for up to 1 day before assembling the salad. The chopped vegetables can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept chilled separately.
About This Recipe
This salad draws inspiration from the lighter side of New England seafood cuisine, offering an alternative to the traditional mayonnaise-based lobster preparations. Unlike heavy restaurant lobster salads that can overwhelm the delicate meat, this version uses a bright vinaigrette that enhances the lobster's natural sweetness. The fresh vegetables and herbs provide complementary flavors and textures for a more refined, balanced dish.