Ina Garten’s Elegant Lobster Salad in Endive Recipe for Summer

Lobster salad in endive transforms ordinary appetizers into elegant culinary experiences that spark conversation and delight sophisticated palates.

Ocean-fresh seafood meets crisp Belgian greens in a combination promising refined flavor and delectable texture.

Delicate meat mingles with bright herbs, creating a balanced blend of coastal sophistication.

Chilled ingredients promise refreshing sensations that tantalize taste buds with unexpected complexity.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe demonstrates how minimal ingredients can produce extraordinary results.

Guests will appreciate the thoughtful presentation and remarkable taste profile of these miniature culinary treasures: prepare to impress.

Why Ina Garten Lobster Salad in Endive Is a Fancy Starter

• Savor Luxurious Seafood Bites: This elegant lobster salad transforms a simple ingredient into a gourmet appetizer that feels like a high-end restaurant experience right in your own home.
• Master Effortless Elegant Entertaining: With just a few quick steps, you can create a sophisticated dish that looks incredibly impressive but takes minimal time and skill to prepare.
• Enjoy Perfectly Balanced Flavor Combinations: The creamy mayonnaise, briny capers, and fresh dill create a harmonious blend that complements the sweet, delicate lobster meat while adding depth and complexity to each bite.
• Embrace Convenient Finger-Food Format: Using endive leaves as natural, crisp vessels makes this recipe not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to serve and enjoy at parties, gatherings, or as a refined appetizer.

Closing the Plate on Lobster Salad in Endive

Luxurious lobster salad nestled in crisp endive leaves creates coastal elegance for sophisticated palates.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer that whispers seaside memories.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance through delicate lobster chunks, complemented by zesty capers and fresh dill.

Creamy mayonnaise binds each ingredient, promising rich textures and harmonious tastes.

Classic techniques shine through this minimal yet impressive dish perfect for summer gatherings.

One bite transports taste buds to New England shores – you’ll crave more after experiencing this culinary masterpiece; scroll down, share this recipe with ocean-loving friends, and let deliciousness spark conversation!

What You Need for Lobster Endive Salad

Main Ingredients:

Lobster Seafood: – Lobster: Sweet, delicate meat perfect for elegant appetizers, fresh and high-quality seafood is key for best flavor.

Endive Greens: – Endive: Crisp, slightly bitter leaves that serve as a beautiful edible vessel for the lobster salad, Belgian variety works best.

Supporting Ingredients:

Herb and Seasoning: – Fresh Dill, Salt, Pepper: Dill adds bright herbaceous notes, salt and pepper enhance the lobster’s natural sweetness and balance flavors.

Binding Ingredients: – Mayonnaise, Capers: Mayonnaise creates creamy texture and binds the salad, capers provide tangy, briny accent to complement the rich lobster.

Vegetable Crunch: – Celery: Adds fresh crispness and subtle earthy flavor to the lobster salad, provides textural contrast.

How to Assemble Ina’s Lobster Salad Appetizer

Step 1: Prepare Lobster Mixture

• Diced lobster meat
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Finely chopped celery
• Briny capers
• Freshly minced dill
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Gently fold all ingredients until well blended, creating a harmonious seafood medley.

Step 2: Trim Endive Leaves

Carefully slice off the base of each endive head, allowing the delicate leaves to naturally separate. Rinse leaves under cool water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure crisp, clean presentation.

Step 3: Fill Endive Boats

Using a small teaspoon, generously scoop the lobster mixture into the wider base of each endive leaf. Aim for a beautiful, slightly rounded mound that showcases the rich lobster filling.

Step 4: Plate And Serve

Artfully arrange the filled endive leaves on an elegant serving platter. For an extra touch of sophistication, garnish with additional fresh dill or a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while the flavors are vibrant and fresh.

Tips for Perfectly Balanced Lobster Flavor

• Steam Lobsters with Ease: Boiling creates a tender, succulent texture that keeps the meat moist and prevents overcooking. Ensure the pot is large enough to fully submerge the lobsters.
• Meat Extraction Trick: Let the lobsters cool completely before removing meat to prevent burning your hands. Use kitchen shears or a lobster cracker to help separate the meat smoothly.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Seafood: Fresh lobsters provide the best flavor, but high-quality frozen lobster meat works wonderfully when fresh options are limited. Thaw frozen lobster in the refrigerator overnight for optimal texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the lobster salad filling up to a day in advance and store in an airtight container. This technique helps the flavors meld and saves time before serving.
• Budget-Friendly Swap: Substitute lobster with cooked shrimp or crab if budget is tight. These alternatives deliver similar luxurious taste and elegant presentation for your appetizer.

How to Store Lobster Salad Bites

• Fridge Preservation: Seal lobster salad in an hermetic glass container with tight-fitting lid. Separate delicate endive leaves in perforated produce bag to maintain crispness and prevent wilting. Consume within 24-36 hours for optimal flavor and texture, ensuring maximum freshness.
• Ingredient Separation: Keep mayonnaise-based lobster mixture and crisp endive leaves in distinct containers. Store lobster salad in bottom shelf of refrigerator where temperature remains most consistent. Gently stir mixture before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore creamy consistency.
• Moisture Management: Place paper towel inside container with lobster salad to absorb excess liquid and prevent soggy texture. Wrap endive leaves loosely in slightly damp paper towel inside sealed plastic bag to maintain hydration without causing browning.

Elegant Variations for Ina’s Lobster Salad

• Coastal Crab Bite: Swap lobster with fresh lump crab meat for a delightful seafood alternative that brings a lighter, sweeter flavor profile to the appetizer.
• Mediterranean Herbed Medley: Replace dill with chopped fresh mint and parsley, and add crumbled feta cheese to introduce a tangy Greek-inspired taste that complements the seafood beautifully.
• Spicy Shrimp Starter: Substitute lobster with small cooked shrimp and mix in a dash of sriracha or finely chopped jalapeños to create a zesty, kick-packed version that will wake up taste buds.
• Smoked Salmon Sensation: Use finely diced cold-smoked salmon instead of lobster, incorporate chopped chives, and add a touch of cream cheese for a rich, elegant appetizer that feels luxurious and smooth.

Ina Garten Lobster Salad In Endive Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s lobster salad in endive brings elegant coastal flavors to your appetizer spread. Delicate lobster meat nestles in crisp endive leaves, creating a sophisticated bite that whispers of summer seaside dining.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 0.75 pound (340 grams) cooked lobster meat, chopped into small pieces
• 4 heads of Belgian endive

Creamy and Aromatic Components:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1.5 tablespoons (22 milliliters) fresh dill, chopped finely
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) capers, without liquid

Seasoning and Vegetable Additions:

• 0.5 cup (120 grams) celery, finely chopped (about 1 stalk)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Carefully dice the cooked lobster meat into uniform, bite-sized pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold together the diced lobster, creamy mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, briny capers, freshly minced dill, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the endive by trimming the base of each head, then delicately separate the crisp, boat-shaped leaves, creating natural vessels for the lobster mixture.
4. Using a small teaspoon, generously fill the wider, rounded end of each endive leaf with the zesty lobster salad, creating an elegant and balanced presentation.
5. Artfully arrange the filled endive leaves on a chilled serving platter, ensuring they are positioned to showcase the vibrant lobster filling and create an appealing visual display.
6. Serve immediately to preserve the crisp texture of the endive and the fresh flavors of the lobster salad, allowing guests to enjoy this sophisticated appetizer at its peak.

Notes

• Use fresh lobster meat if possible.
• Endive adds crunch and elegance.
• Great for light starters or holiday spreads.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg