Martha’s Vineyard-Inspired Lobster Roll with Lemon Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh lobster roll inspired by the flavors of Martha’s Vineyard, featuring sweet lobster meat tossed in a light lemon aioli, served on a buttery toasted bun. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes pairs cooked lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb chopped cooked lobster meat with 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 small finely diced celery stalk, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spread 2 tbsp unsalted butter evenly on the cut sides of 4 hot dog buns. Place the buns butter-side down in the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Remove buns from the skillet and, if using, line each bun with a crisp lettuce leaf.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the lobster mixture evenly into each toasted bun and serve immediately for a fresh, summery sandwich experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Martha’s Vineyard-Inspired Lobster Roll with Lemon Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Martha’s Vineyard-Inspired Lobster Roll with Lemon Aioli?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Martha’s Vineyard-Inspired Lobster Roll with Lemon Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Martha’s Vineyard-Inspired Lobster Roll with Lemon Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Martha’s Vineyard-Inspired Lobster Roll with Lemon Aioli?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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