These Classic Lobster Rolls are all about highlighting sweet, tender lobster meat tossed in a light tarragon mayo. The lobster salad is tucked into a buttery, toasted New England-style roll for a rich, refreshing, and perfect warm-weather meal.
If you love fresh seafood, a lobster roll is the ultimate indulgence with its sweet, tender meat and creamy, flavorful dressing. While shrimp rolls offer a similar handheld experience, the delicate richness of lobster makes this dish feel extra special.
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Why You'll Love Classic Lobster Rolls
Simple and Elegant – It’s an easy recipe with a gourmet feel, perfect for entertaining or a quick indulgence.
Fresh and Flavorful – Tarragon adds a light, slightly anise-like note that pairs beautifully with lobster.
Quick to Prepare – With just a few steps, you can have these ready in minutes.
Ingredients
This recipe is very basic. You need steamed lobster meat (the grocery store will do this for free), a mayonnaise based dressing flavored with fresh tarragon, and these New England Split Top Lobster Rolls (affiliate link).
Substitutions
Lobster Meat Alternative – Swap lobster for cooked shrimp or crab if you need a more affordable or accessible option.
Tarragon Replacement – Use fresh dill, chives, or parsley for a different herbal touch.
Mayonnaise Swap – Try Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a tangier, lighter alternative.
Variations
Bacon Lobster Roll – Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty crunch.
Spicy Lobster Roll – Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for heat.
Lemon-Garlic Butter Lobster Roll – Skip the mayo and toss the lobster in warm garlic butter with a squeeze of lemon.
Top Tips for the Best Lobster Rolls
Toast the buns just right – A golden, buttery crispness adds the perfect contrast to the filling.
Chill the filling before assembling – A short chill helps the flavors meld together.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover lobster filling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the rolls separate until serving.
Serving Suggestions
Make it a Seafood Feast – Serve alongside slow cooker clam chowder or air fryer corn on the cob.
Classic Side Pairings – Serve with air fryer frozen fries, homemade coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Summer Vibes – Pair with a watermelon lime sangria or peach mojito.
Related Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Classic Lobster Rolls
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon Lemon rind
- 1 teaspoon tarragon minced
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon minced green onions
- 2 tablespoon finely chopped celery
- 4 cups Lobster meat cut into bite sized pieces
- 4 New England Style Hot Dog Rolls
- 2 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- In a large small mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, lemon rind, tarragon, mustard, and lemon juice.
- Toss together lobster meat, celery, and green onions.
- Stir mayonnaise dressing into lobster ingredients until well coated.
- Spread hot dog bun on each side with butter and toast each side until browned.
- Divide lobster salad mixture between hot dog rolls.
- Alternatively, serve the lobster salad in lettuce cups for a low carb sandwich.
Liz says
Oh, how I wish someone in my house besides me liked lobster! Can you believe it??? I made lobster salad in endive leaves for book club once, and I think I'll have to figure out a way to make some lobster salad ASAP---even if it's just for me!
Shelby says
You don't need much lobster for one person Liz 🙂 Next time I am in Indianapolis we need to get together and have some yumminess :}