Shrimp Louie Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Louie Salad is a classic, vibrant dish that combines succulent shrimp with crisp, fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy Louie dressing. It’s a light yet filling meal that’s perfect for warm weather or as an appetizer for a special occasion. The rich, flavorful dressing ties together the delicate shrimp, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies, making this salad a refreshing and satisfying choice. It’s easy to make, and you can even customize it with your favorite ingredients!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 pound cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• 2-3 radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
• Lemon wedges for garnish

For the Louie Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Dash hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Louie Dressing:

1. Mix the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and relish.
2. Add flavorings: Stir in the horseradish (if using), hot sauce (optional), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth.
3. Chill the dressing: Stir in the chopped parsley (if desired), then chill the dressing in the fridge until ready to serve.

For the Salad:

1. Prepare the salad ingredients: On a large platter or individual serving plates, create a bed of chopped romaine lettuce.
2. Layer the ingredients: Arrange the shrimp on top of the lettuce, followed by the sliced eggs, halved tomatoes, avocado slices, cucumber, red onion, black olives (if using), and radishes (if using).
3. Serve the dressing: Drizzle the Louie dressing over the salad or serve it on the side, depending on your preference.
4. Garnish: Garnish the salad with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired.
5. Serve immediately: Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful Shrimp Louie Salad!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (excluding chilling the dressing)

Variations

• Add More Protein: Top the salad with additional protein such as crab, chicken, or hard-boiled eggs for a heartier meal.
• Spicy Dressing: Add more horseradish or hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the shrimp and add roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or another plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
• Herb Variations: Swap fresh parsley with dill, tarragon, or chives to complement the flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the salad components and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste.
• Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It allows the flavors to meld together and saves you time when preparing the salad.

2. What type of shrimp should I use?

You can use cooked shrimp, either pre-cooked or fresh, depending on your preference. If using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s thawed and peeled before using.

3. Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter dressing option or even a dairy-free mayonnaise if you prefer.

4. Can I make this salad without the avocado?

Yes, if you don’t have or don’t like avocado, you can skip it or replace it with another creamy ingredient, like a few slices of fresh mozzarella or some hummus.

5. Can I add cheese to the salad?

Certainly! You can add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar to the salad for an extra layer of flavor.

6. How can I make this a low-carb meal?

To make the salad even lower in carbs, omit the radishes and opt for a smaller amount of dressing, or use a lighter dressing like a vinaigrette.

7. Can I serve this as a main dish?

Yes, this Shrimp Louie Salad makes a great main dish due to its balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and veggies. It’s a satisfying and filling meal.

8. Can I use a different vinegar in the dressing?

Yes, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

9. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp will work as long as it’s properly thawed and peeled before adding it to the salad.

10. Can I add a different kind of lettuce?

Yes, you can swap romaine for iceberg, butter lettuce, or mixed greens depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Shrimp Louie Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that brings together crisp vegetables, juicy shrimp, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing salad with all its delightful textures and tastes!

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