Name: Shrimp Louie Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20-25); ½ tsp Tabasco (plus more for serving); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp honey; ¼ tsp paprika; ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ tsp lemon zest; 3 ½ tsp lemon juice (from one lemon); 1 tsp honey; ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ tsp Tabasco sauce; 2 Tbsp capers (drained); ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp paprika; 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups; butter lettuce or mixed greens work too); 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 large avocado, sliced; 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved; Capers (for serving); Salt (for seasoning eggs)

Shrimp Louie Salad – This West Coast favorite salad consists of crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and the star of the show: the tangy Louie dressing.

What is Shrimp Louie Salad?

Shrimp Louie Salad, sometimes called “California’s own salad,” is a seafood salad that traditionally features fresh shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and sometimes avocado. The salad is topped with a zesty, creamy Louie dressing, often described as a cross between Thousand Island and Russian dressing, with a touch of horseradish for a little kick.

Originally from San Francisco, Shrimp Louie has a bit of a retro vibe, evoking thoughts of glamorous 20th-century dinners. It’s often served in classic seafood restaurants along the California coast, but you can also find it in more casual spots.

Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Louie Salad

The ingredients are simple but must be of the best quality to make this salad sing:

For the Salad:

Shrimp: The star ingredient! Use fresh, medium to large shrimp, cooked and peeled.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and fresh to form the base.
Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom or vine-ripened.
Hard-boiled Eggs: Adds richness and texture.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices are a modern addition that enhances the salad’s flavor.
Cucumber: Adds crunch and a refreshing bite.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for some sharpness.
Black Olives: For that briny, salty kick.

For the Louie Dressing:

Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and color.
Chili Sauce: For a mild tang.
Horseradish: For a subtle heat.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for acidity.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Shrimp Louie Salad

Use Fresh Ingredients: The success of this salad depends on the quality of your ingredients, particularly the shrimp. Opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp if possible, and make sure your vegetables are crisp and ripe.
Customize the Dressing: If you like your dressing with more heat, feel free to add extra horseradish or even a splash of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the horseradish.
Chill the Shrimp: After cooking, make sure your shrimp are properly chilled before adding them to the salad. This keeps the salad crisp and refreshing.
Make in Advance: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers. Just wait to toss everything together with the dressing until right before serving to keep it from getting soggy.

Variations on Shrimp Louie Salad

While the classic Shrimp Louie is delicious, there are a few variations you can try to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences:

Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly variation, reduce or omit tomatoes and avocado to lower the carb count.

Crab Louie Salad: Swap out the shrimp for crab meat for another seafood take on this classic.

Salmon Louie: Grilled or smoked salmon can be a rich and flavorful substitute for shrimp.

Vegetarian Louie: Omit the seafood entirely and add grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Spicy Shrimp Louie: Add a touch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha to the Louie dressing for a spicy kick.

How to Serve Shrimp Louie Salad

This salad is perfect as a main course for lunch or a light dinner. Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving game:

Individual Plates: Serve the salad on individual chilled plates for an elegant presentation.
Serve with Bread: A side of crusty sourdough or garlic bread pairs perfectly with the flavors of the salad.
On a Platter: For a family-style meal, arrange the salad on a large platter and let everyone serve themselves.

How to Store Shrimp Louie Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to keep it fresh. Here’s how to store each component:

Shrimp: Store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Dressing: The Louie dressing can be stored in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Salad Base: Lettuce and other veggies can be stored in a sealed container for up to 1 day. However, it’s best to assemble the salad right before eating to prevent sogginess.

Can I Freeze Shrimp Louie Salad?

Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the ingredients, particularly lettuce, and dressing, don’t hold up well when frozen and thawed.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Shrimp Louie Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare most of the components ahead of time. Just store the shrimp, dressing, and veggies separately, and combine them right before serving.

Is Louie dressing gluten-free?

The ingredients in traditional Louie dressing are naturally gluten-free. However, always check labels on condiments like Worcestershire sauce to be certain.

What’s the best shrimp for Shrimp Louie Salad?

Opt for large, fresh, wild-caught shrimp. Frozen shrimp can also be used, but ensure it is properly thawed and patted dry before adding to the salad.

Yield: 4

Shrimp Louie Salad

Shrimp Louie Salad - This West Coast favorite salad consists of crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and the star of the show: the tangy Louie dressing.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes