Fragrant smoke from the mesquite wood chips makes a fine counterpoint to the sweetness of the lobster in this salad. Finish the meal with lemon ice drizzled with tequila, and pass a plateful of sugar cookies.
Ingredients
2 cups mesquite smoke chips, soaked in water 30 minutes, drained
4 1 3/4-pound live lobsters
9 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeño chili
1 tablespoon finely grated lime peel
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated orange peel
2 avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 medium tomatoes, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large papaya, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
10 cups mixed baby greens
Directions
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Place smoke chips in 8 x 6-inch foil packet with open top. Set atop coals 5 minutes before grilling lobsters. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Working in batches, drop lobsters headfirst into water. Cover; boil 2 minutes. Transfer lobsters to work surface. Immediately split in half lengthwise, using heavy large knife. Crack claws.
Arrange lobsters, cut side up, on grill. Cover; grill 6 minutes. Turn lobsters over and grill until just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Remove lobster meat from shells. Cool. Cut meat into 1/2-inch pieces. Transfer to large bowl.
Whisk oil and next 5 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover lobster and dressing separately; chill. Rewhisk dressing before continuing.)
Add avocados, tomatoes and papaya to lobster in bowl. Pour 1/2 cup dressing over; toss. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss greens in another large bowl with enough remaining dressing to coat.
Divide greens among plates. Spoon lobster mixture atop greens and serve.
