Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells is the perfect marriage of elegance and ease. This cold pasta salad is loaded with chunks of tender lobster meat, tossed with small pasta shells, crisp vegetables, and a creamy homemade dressing. It’s ideal for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to serve something that feels both indulgent and effortless.

What Is Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells?

This dish is Ina Garten’s upscale version of a classic pasta salad. It combines sweet, buttery lobster meat with al dente pasta shells, scallions, celery, and a tangy lemon-mayo dressing. Served chilled, it’s refreshing yet rich, making it a standout side or light main dish.

Other Ina Garten Popular Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells

Perfect for entertaining – Elegant enough for holidays and gatherings
Served chilled – Ideal for warm weather or outdoor events
Easy to prep ahead – Flavors develop beautifully in the fridge
A luxurious twist on pasta salad – Pairs casual texture with fine ingredients
Customizable – Easily adapted with extra veggies or fresh herbs
Great use for leftover lobster – No need for a whole new meal

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells

1 pound of small pasta shells
1 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped
1 cup celery, finely diced
1 cup scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
¾ cup good-quality mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Lobster and Shells

Cook the pasta

Boil the shells in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine the ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped lobster, celery, scallions, and dill.

Toss everything together

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Chill before serving

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells

Grilled corn on the cob – Adds sweetness and smokiness
Crisp green salad – Balances the creaminess of the pasta
Chilled white wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well
Fresh baguette or dinner rolls – Great for scooping
Steamed asparagus or green beans – For a clean vegetable pairing
Sliced avocado – Adds a creamy contrast

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells

Use fresh lobster if possible – It gives the best flavor and texture
Cool the pasta completely – Prevents the dressing from becoming greasy
Don’t overcook the shells – Keep them al dente for structure
Add dill last – Keeps the herb fresh and aromatic
Taste before chilling – Adjust salt and lemon juice if needed
Let it chill for at least an hour – Enhances the flavor blend
Use a large bowl – Helps mix ingredients evenly without crushing them

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells

Add chopped bell peppers – For extra crunch and color
Stir in green peas – A classic addition to pasta salads
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt – Adds tang with fewer calories
Try tarragon instead of dill – For a slightly licorice-like herbal note
Use crab or shrimp – A more budget-friendly seafood twist
Add a touch of Dijon mustard to the dressing – Brings subtle complexity
Include cherry tomatoes – Offers a pop of acidity and color

How to Store Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells

Refrigerate immediately after serving – Keeps ingredients fresh
Store in an airtight container – Maintains texture and flavor
Best eaten within 2 days – Lobster and dressing taste best fresh
Avoid freezing – Mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well
Give it a stir before serving again – Redistributes the creamy dressing evenly

How to Reheat Ina Garten Lobster and Shells

This dish is designed to be served cold. Reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the lobster and mayonnaise dressing.

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 420
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 480mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster for Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells?

Yes, frozen lobster meat works well. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and gently patted dry before adding it to the salad to avoid watery results.

Should I rinse the pasta after cooking it for this salad?

Yes, rinsing the pasta helps stop the cooking process and keeps the shells from sticking together, which is important when serving the dish cold.

How long can I store Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For best texture and flavor, serve within 24 hours of preparation.

What type of pasta is best for Lobster and Shells?

Small shell pasta is recommended because it holds the dressing and lobster pieces perfectly. If unavailable, elbow macaroni or orecchiette can be used as substitutes.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Lobster and Shells is a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients combined in the simplest way possible. It’s proof that elegance doesn’t require complexity. Perfect for parties, brunches, or a laid-back weekend meal, this recipe offers a refreshing balance of flavor and luxury with minimal effort.