This Lobster Caesar Salad recipe is a fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad. The sweet, tender lobster pairs perfectly with the crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that works for an elegant summer lunch or a standout dinner. The best part? You can put this dish together in less time than you think!

Here’s the deal—if you love lobster but feel intimidated by cooking it at home, this high-protein lobster salad is the perfect solution! I like to use prepared lobster, so you get all the sweet lobster flavor without the hassle of having to cook it yourself.
It’s fancy enough for any occasion, but simple to make. All you have to do is whip up the creamy Caesar dressing, toss everything together, and you’re ready to serve!
Adding frozen lobster is a game-changer—it makes the salad feel luxurious, yet it’s still quick and easy to prepare. You'll love how this dish strikes the perfect balance of elegance and ease!
If you are looking for more high-protein salads check out my Tuna Caesar Salad, High Protein Pasta Salad, Cheeseburger Bowl, or California Chicken Salad. If you are looking for more seafood recipes, check out my Oven Baked Lobster Cakes, or Gluten-Free Crab Cakes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Using pre-cooked lobster is such a timesaver. You can throw this together in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
- Versatile: You can serve this as a starter or a main dish depending on your needs.
- Simple Yet Elegant: This simple dish requires just a few ingredients, and the lobster adds a touch of elegance—making it feel like a restaurant-quality dish you can serve at home.
Ingredients
- Romaine Lettuce: Romaine lettuce is the classic choice for a Caesar salad, offering the perfect crunch and a mild flavor that complements all the other ingredients. If you prefer, you can also swap it out for kale for a slightly different twist.
- Cooked Lobster Meat: Lobster takes center stage in this dish! What I love about this recipe is that I use pre-cooked lobster meat, which makes it super easy. I grab mine from Costco, where it's sold in frozen, bite-sized pieces. Of course, if you're up for it, you can cook your own lobster tails and chop them into large chunks for a more hands-on approach.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese brings a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture that enhances the salad. For the best taste, I highly recommend using authentic Parmesan. Grab a block from the store and grate it yourself—it makes all the difference! Skip the pre-grated stuff—it just doesn't compare!
- Croutons: I love making my own croutons using leftover sourdough bread. You can also use store-bought croutons if you're short on time. If you're following a gluten-free diet, make sure to opt for gluten-free croutons to keep the dish compliant with your needs.
- Caesar Dressing: I usually whip up a batch of my gluten-free Caesar dressing and store it in the fridge for the week. If you're in a pinch, you can use store-bought dressing, but I find that most store versions are a bit too runny and lack the depth of flavor. If you go the store-bought route, just be sure to check the ingredients and avoid anything overly processed.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions And Variations
- Lobster Alternative: Use shrimp, crab, or even grilled chicken for a different protein.
- Bring The Heat: The lobster meat is nice and sweet, so if you want to balance that with a little spice, try using my Chipotle Caesar Dressing instead.
- Greens: Swap romaine lettuce for other greens like spinach or kale for a twist.
- Cheese: If you don't like Parmesan you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheese flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Lobster Caesar Salad
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1. Add the chopped lettuce to a large bowl, along with the cooked lobster, parmesan, and croutons.
Step 2. Next, add the Caesar salad dressing and use tongs to toss to combine. If you like a well-dressed salad, add a little more creamy dressing and toss again. Top the salad with a pinch of black pepper and more parmesan cheese. Serve with fresh lemon wedges or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Expert Tips And Notes
- Dress Just Before Serving: If you’re making this ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything crisp.
- Go Light On The Dressing: Start with a little dressing and add more as needed—Caesar dressing is rich, and you don’t want to overwhelm the flavors.
- No Soggy Lobster: If you are using lobster that was frozen, be sure to thaw and dry it well, otherwise it may end up getting soggy in your salad.
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Serving Suggestions For Lobster Salad With Homemade Dressing
- Toppings: Add a dash of freshly ground black pepper or parmesan crips. You can also add crumbled smoked bacon for extra crunch.
- Appetizer Pairings: Serve with a light seafood appetizer like a shrimp cocktail or Traeger smoked salmon.
- Side Dishes: Pair with smoked asparagus, or maple-roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Bread: A slice of freshly baked baguette or garlic bread would be the perfect accompaniment.
- Beverages: This salad goes great with a crisp glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay.
Recipe FAQs
It is best served fresh, but you can store the leftover salad in an airtight container for up to one day. If storing, keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy lettuce. For best results, enjoy this salad on the same day it’s made.
While you can prepare the lobster and chop the lettuce ahead of time, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the croutons crunchy.
For a gluten-free version, simply swap the croutons for gluten-free alternatives or skip them altogether.
If you want to cook your own lobster, you are certainly welcome to do so! Check out this great article on how to boil lobster for some tips and tricks!
A Caesar salad is typically made with romaine lettuce and topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. A house salad is made with a variety of mixed greens like spinach or spring mix, and topped with a variety of vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots). It can be dressed with anything from vinaigrette to ranch.
Other Related Seafood Recipes
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Lobster Caesar Salad Recipe (With Homemade Dressing)
Ingredients
- 4-6 cups Romaine Lettuce chopped
- 4-6 oz Cooked Lobster Meat thawed
- ¼ Parmesan Cheese grated
- ¼ cup Croutons
- ½ cup Caesar Dressing
Instructions
- Add the chopped lettuce to a large bowl, along with the cooked lobster, parmesan, and croutons.4-6 cups Romaine Lettuce, 4-6 oz Cooked Lobster Meat, ¼ Parmesan Cheese, ¼ cup Croutons
- Next, add the Caesar salad dressing and use tongs to toss to combine. If you like a well-dressed salad, add a little more creamy dressing and toss again. Top the salad with a pinch of black pepper and more parmesan cheese. Serve with fresh lemon wedges or a squeeze of lemon juice.½ cup Caesar Dressing
Notes
- Dress Just Before Serving: If you’re making this ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything crisp.
- Go Light On The Dressing: Start with a little dressing and add more as needed—Caesar dressing is rich, and you don’t want to overwhelm the flavors.
- No Soggy Lobster: If you are using lobster that was frozen, be sure to thaw and dry it well, otherwise it may end up getting soggy in your salad.
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