Classic Shrimp Louie Salad: A Refreshing Seafood Favorite

Classic Shrimp Louie Salad: A Refreshing Seafood Favorite

Looking for a crisp, creamy, and protein-packed salad that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen? This Classic Shrimp Louie Salad is your answer. With juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and tangy Louie dressing, this West Coast favorite delivers a perfect balance of freshness and richness. Whether you're meal prepping or hosting a weekend brunch, this retro salad deserves a comeback.

Ingredients List

Salad:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined – sweet, juicy, and protein-rich
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped – crunchy and refreshing
• 1 avocado, sliced – creamy texture with heart-healthy fats
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – juicy and slightly sweet
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered – rich and satisfying
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – adds sharpness and color
• Lemon wedges – for garnish and an extra citrus kick

Louie Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – rich and creamy base
• 2 tbsp ketchup – adds sweetness and acidity
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – brightens up the flavor
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – deepens the umami
• 1 tsp prepared horseradish – gives the dressing a zesty punch
• Salt & pepper to taste – enhances overall flavor

Substitution Tips:
- Swap shrimp for crab or grilled chicken.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter dressing.
- Try arugula or butter lettuce in place of romaine.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling eggs, if not pre-made)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Quick and simple compared to heavier seafood dishes like chowder or gumbo!

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp

If your shrimp isn’t already cooked, quickly boil or steam it until pink and opaque. Let it cool before assembling your salad.

Step 2: Mix the Louie Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, salt, and pepper. Chill for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base

On a large platter or individual plates, arrange a bed of chopped romaine lettuce. Top with cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, red onion, and quartered hard-boiled eggs.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Neatly layer the cooked shrimp on top of the veggies. Make sure each serving gets plenty!

Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish

Generously spoon the Louie dressing over the salad. Garnish with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Nutritional Info

Per Serving (4 servings total):

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 4g

Packed with lean protein and healthy fats, this salad is a satisfying yet light option.

Healthier Alternatives

• Keto: Use full-fat mayo and omit ketchup. Add more avocado or bacon.
• Vegan: Sub shrimp with grilled tofu or hearts of palm. Use vegan mayo.
• Low-Calorie: Use Greek yogurt in the dressing and skip the eggs.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in mason jars for a fun, portable lunch.
• Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon.
• Offer alongside a bowl of crusty sourdough for a light dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooked shrimp – Boil only until pink and firm, then shock in ice water.
2. Watery lettuce – Dry romaine thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad.
3. Unbalanced dressing – Taste and adjust lemon, horseradish, and salt.
4. Assembling too early – Dress just before serving to maintain crunch.

Storing Tips

• Leftovers: Store undressed salad and dressing separately for up to 2 days.
• Make-ahead: Hard boil eggs and prepare dressing up to 3 days in advance.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp and avocado don’t freeze well.

Conclusion

This Classic Shrimp Louie Salad is more than just a pretty plate—it’s a celebration of texture and flavor. Whether you're embracing retro cuisine or just want a healthy, satisfying meal, this salad has it all. Try it today, and don’t forget to leave a comment or share your own twist on this timeless dish!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad the night before?
A: Yes, just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving.

Q: What shrimp size is best?
A: Medium to large shrimp work best—around 31/40 count per pound.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely. Thaw and pat dry before using.

Q: Is Louie dressing spicy?
A: It has a slight kick from horseradish, but you can adjust to taste.

Q: What other proteins can I use?
A: Crab, grilled chicken, or even smoked salmon make great alternatives.