Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad

If you want to turn a traditional potato salad into something truly special, Ina Garten’s Lobster Potato Salad is a standout choice. It’s elegant yet comforting, combining buttery lobster meat with tender potatoes, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want to impress with minimal effort, this dish captures Ina’s signature style—simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

What is Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad?

Ina Garten’s Lobster Potato Salad blends perfectly cooked potatoes with tender chunks of fresh lobster, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. With added crunch from celery and seasoning that balances richness with brightness, it’s both refined and familiar—a true upgrade to the classic picnic dish.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Lobster Roll
• Ina Garten Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Ina Garten’s Baked Chocolate Pudding
• Ina Garten Lobster Corn Chowder

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad

• Elegant take on a summer staple – Adds luxury to any occasion
• Fresh, balanced flavors – Creamy dressing, bright lemon, and sweet lobster
• Simple prep, stunning result – No fancy skills required
• Great for entertaining – Feels gourmet without the fuss
• Customizable – Adjust herbs or add veggies
• Hearty and satisfying – Works as a main or side
• Perfect for warm weather meals – Best served chilled

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad

• 1½ pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes
• Kosher salt (for boiling and seasoning)
• ¾ to 1 pound cooked lobster meat, cut into chunks
• ¾ cup good-quality mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ cup finely diced celery
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad

Cook the potatoes

Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.

Cut the potatoes

Once cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Leave the skins on for extra texture, or peel if preferred.

Prepare the dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs.

Assemble the salad

Add the warm potatoes to the dressing and gently toss to coat. Let them absorb the flavors for a few minutes.

Add lobster and vegetables

Fold in the lobster meat, celery, and red onion. Stir gently to combine without breaking up the lobster.

Chill and serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Garnish with more herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad

• Serve with grilled corn on the cob – A summer favorite
• Pair with chilled white wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay work well
• Add crusty bread on the side – Great for soaking up dressing
• Serve with arugula salad – Peppery greens add contrast
• Enjoy with grilled shrimp or scallops – Keeps the seafood theme
• Pair with a light soup – Like gazpacho or a cold cucumber soup
• Add roasted asparagus – For a seasonal vegetable side

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad

• Use small Yukon Gold potatoes – Creamy texture and thin skins are ideal
• Let potatoes cool slightly before mixing – They absorb dressing better when warm
• Use fresh lobster if possible – For the sweetest, most tender meat
• Taste as you go – Adjust salt, lemon, and herbs to your liking
• Chop vegetables finely – Keeps texture even and balanced
• Let the salad chill – Enhances flavor and texture
• Avoid overmixing – Keeps lobster chunks intact and salad looking pretty

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad

• Add chopped hard-boiled eggs – For extra richness
• Use fresh tarragon or chives – For a French twist
• Include diced pickles or capers – Adds tang and sharpness
• Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt – Lighten up the dressing
• Add corn kernels or cherry tomatoes – For color and sweetness
• Toss in baby arugula – Adds peppery bite and freshness
• Swap lobster for shrimp or crab – Still luxurious, but more accessible

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Best consumed within 2 days
• Do not freeze – Mayonnaise and lobster won’t thaw well
• Keep chilled until serving – Especially for outdoor events
• Stir before serving leftovers – Dressing may settle
• Store lobster and potatoes separately if prepping early – Mix just before serving

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Lobster Potato Salad

• This dish is served cold – No reheating required
• Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving – Enhances the flavor
• Avoid microwaving – Will ruin the texture of potatoes and lobster
• If dryness occurs – Stir in a little extra mayo or lemon juice
• Add herbs fresh before serving – Brightens up leftovers

Nutrition Value (per serving – based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Cholesterol: 130mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s lobster potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a few hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

What type of potatoes are best for lobster potato salad?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well after boiling. They also absorb the dressing without becoming mushy.

Can I use frozen lobster meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can use high-quality frozen lobster meat. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before mixing to avoid excess moisture that could dilute the dressing.

How long does lobster potato salad last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. For the best flavor and texture, consume within the first 24 hours.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Lobster Potato Salad is everything a summer salad should be—bright, flavorful, and satisfying. It takes the everyday comfort of potato salad and elevates it with tender lobster and fresh herbs.

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