Chilled Lobster Salad with Sweet Summer Corn and Tomatoes

Chilled Lobster Salad with Sweet Summer Corn and Tomatoes is a bright, light summer salad that pairs tender steamed lobster with fresh sweet corn, juicy grape tomatoes and garden herbs. This simple, high-protein salad works well as a light main course for two or an elegant starter for four. It’s quick to assemble, visually appealing and full of seasonal flavor—perfect for backyard dinners, picnics or a relaxed summer lunch.

Lobster Salad with Corn and Tomatoes

This salad highlights the best of summer produce: sweet corn, grape tomatoes and fresh chives, combined with chilled lobster meat tossed in a light lemon-olive oil dressing. The result is refreshing and satisfying without being heavy. Serve it on crisp Boston lettuce leaves for a pretty presentation, or pile it over mixed greens, grain bowls or sliced avocado for a more substantial meal.

Why this recipe works

The combination of warm-weather ingredients keeps each bite bright and flavorful. Sweet corn adds texture and natural sweetness; grape tomatoes bring acidity and juiciness; chives give a delicate onion-like note; and lemon juice with olive oil ties everything together while letting the lobster’s flavor shine. Chilling the lobster and corn before assembling ensures the salad stays crisp and refreshing.

Choosing and preparing lobster

If you can buy live lobster locally, many lobster farms or markets will steam the lobsters for you. Steamed lobster meat (from tails and claws) yields a sweet, tender texture that works beautifully in a chilled salad. If you prefer, you can cook fresh or thawed lobster at home—just be careful not to overcook. Chill thoroughly before chopping into large bite-sized pieces for the salad.

Variations and substitutions

If lobster isn’t available, lump crab meat, cooked shrimp or delicate pieces of cooked scallop are excellent alternatives. For a budget-friendly option, use high-quality canned or pouched seafood. You can swap chives for finely chopped parsley, basil or tarragon to vary the herb note. Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if you prefer a creamier dressing.

More lobster recipe ideas

• Lobster Rolls
• Grilled Lobster Tails
• Chipotle Lobster and Avocado Wrap
• Lobster Cobb Salad

Ingredients

• 2 medium ears of corn
• 12 oz cooked, chilled lobster meat (yield from 2 — 1½ lb lobsters)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 4 tsp olive oil
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 8 Boston lettuce leaves, rinsed and dried

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the ears of corn and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside to cool.
2. When the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
3. Chop the chilled lobster meat from the tails and claws into large, bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the corn.
4. Add the halved grape tomatoes and chopped chives.
5. Whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil, then drizzle over the lobster and vegetables. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste and toss gently to combine.
6. Arrange Boston lettuce leaves on two plates (or more if serving as an appetizer). Divide the lobster salad among the lettuce leaves and serve chilled.

Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 1 salad • Calories: 349 kcal • Carbohydrates: 25.5 g • Protein: 39 g • Fat: 10.5 g • Fiber: 4 g • Sugar: 3.5 g • Cholesterol: 122 mg • Sodium: 668 mg • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g

Serving suggestions and tips

This chilled lobster salad is lovely on its own or paired with a crisp white wine, crusty bread, or a light soup. For extra color and crunch, stir in diced cucumber or thinly sliced bell pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving—lemon and salt brighten the dish and make the lobster flavor pop.

Storage

Store leftover lobster salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the lettuce separate until just before serving to preserve crispness. Discard if it develops an off smell or slimy texture.