For the Lobster Salad

• 1 lb cooked lobster meat (claw and tail), chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (use lemon or garlic mayo for extra flavor)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp finely chopped celery

• 1 tbsp finely chopped chives or green onion

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: pinch of Old Bay seasoning

For the Rolls

• 4 New England–style split-top hot dog buns or brioche rolls

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 garlic clove (optional), halved for rubbing on the buns

For the “Patriotic” Touch

Choose one or mix a few of these:

• Red: Sliced cherry tomatoes or roasted red pepper strips

• White: Shredded cabbage or jicama slaw

• Blue:

  • Blue corn chips (crushed, for garnish)

  • Blueberry coleslaw (see below)

  • Edible blue flowers (like borage or butterfly pea petals)