If you're looking to impress your guests with a dish that screams elegance while being refreshingly simple to prepare, look no further than this Lobster Asparagus Chopped Salad! Bursting with the rich flavors of succulent lobster, crisp asparagus, and vibrant mixed greens, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. Perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe will elevate your dining experience to new heights. Ready to dive into a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and blanched
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. If you haven't done so already, chop the cooked lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Next, prepare the asparagus. Trim the ends of the asparagus and blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and chop the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, blanched asparagus, chopped lobster meat, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon vinaigrette. If you prefer a homemade vinaigrette, combine 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to over-season, as the lobster meat is already flavorful.
- Once everything is well mixed and seasoned, transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls. You can garnish with additional cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve the Lobster Asparagus Chopped Salad immediately for the best flavor and freshness. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing salad!
Tips
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Since the lobster is the star of this dish, opt for high-quality cooked lobster meat. Fresh or frozen lobster tails can be boiled or steamed and then chopped for a more authentic taste.
- Perfectly Blanched Asparagus: To achieve that bright green color and tender-crisp texture, don't skip the ice bath after blanching the asparagus. This technique halts the cooking process and preserves the vibrant color.
- Homemade Vinaigrette: While store-bought dressings are convenient, a homemade lemon vinaigrette adds a personal touch. Experiment with the ratio of lemon juice to olive oil to find your perfect balance of tanginess and richness.
- Season with Care: The lobster is naturally flavorful, so be cautious with the salt and pepper. Taste as you go to ensure the seasoning enhances rather than overwhelms the dish.
- Serve Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with additional cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A little extra color goes a long way!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 120mg
