Indulge in the refreshing classic shrimp Louie salad with this delicious recipe. Packed with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing.
It’s helpful to have a quick and easy dish that your guests always enjoy. And this Classic Shrimp Louie Salad is one of those dishes for me. The origins of this salad date back to San Francisco in the early 1900âs. Before it starts, there are greens. Then there are avocado, hard-boiled eggs, tomato, shrimp, and a special dressing that tastes like Thousand Island. That said, feel free to get creative with the toppings based on whatever you have in the kitchen.
Ketchup, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce (which I’m sure you have hidden in the back of a cupboard!) are all things that almost everyone already has in their pantry. That makes this dressing even better. It only takes a few minutes to throw together, with the longest part being cooking the shrimp. If you pre-thaw the shrimp, it will cut down your prep time substantially. I recommend thawing them overnight in the fridge if possible, or you can use fresh shrimp. Â.
When youâre purchasing your shrimp, make sure that itâs sustainably sourced. If you’re not sure, you can look for certifications from Naturland, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, the Marine Stewardship Council, or Best Aquaculture Practices. Â.
I would encourage it, actually. Making the dressing in advance can enhance the flavors. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before pouring it over your salad.
You can replace the shrimp with cooked chicken, crab, or even marinated tofu for a delightful twist. Can I add other veggies to the salad?.
If you need to get rid of some vegetables in your fridge, this salad is a great way to do it. Some great options are cooked beets, olives, baby potatoes, asparagus, sliced zucchini, or green beans. Â What can I serve with shrimp louie salad?.
They taste best when they’re put out on a big platter and everyone can take as many as they want. You can serve with crusty bread that can be used to mop up the sauce. This recipe would also go great alongside a herby risotto, grilled seafood or chicken, potatoes or over pasta. Â.
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The dressing may cause the lettuce to wilt over time, so store it separately if possible. Ideally, you want to eat it within a day or two.
I left out the hard-boiled eggs to make this dish vegan. You can also use vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, or plant-based yogurt for the dressing. Another thing to remember is that most Worcestershire sauce has anchovies in it, so you’ll need to use a vegan version or soy sauce or balsamic vinegar instead.
This protein- and veggie-packed Shrimp Louie Salad is great for a light lunch during the week or as a potluck dish that everyone loves. It has a classic dressing made of mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, and the Cajun-seasoned shrimp go well with it. Course: SaladCOOKing TIME:10 minutesTotal TIME:30 minutesCUISINE:AmericanPREP TIME:20 minutesSERVINGS:6.
Demystifying the Classic Shrimp Louie Salad A Guide to this Retro Seafood Dish
Shrimp louie is a refreshing, retro seafood salad that has been popular on West Coast restaurant menus since the early 1900s But if you aren’t familiar with it, you may be wondering – what exactly is a shrimp louie?
In this article, I’ll break down everything that goes into this classic salad, from its origins to its essential ingredients. Read on to learn all about shrimp louie and how to make this crowd-pleasing dish at home.
What is Shrimp Louie?
A shrimp louie is a type of seafood salad made from chilled shrimp and crunchy vegetables topped with a creamy mayo-based dressing. It likely originated in San Francisco in the early 20th century.
Though recipes can vary, a traditional shrimp louie salad contains:
- Cooked, chilled shrimp – the star ingredient!
- Lettuce – usually a crisp variety like romaine or iceberg
- Tomatoes
- Hard boiled eggs
- Avocado
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Louie dressing
The dressing is a mayonnaise-based sauce flavored with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, herbs, and spices. It’s similar to Thousand Island dressing but packed with more flavor.
Some variations may also include ingredients like green beans, asparagus tips, olives, or capers. The veggies make each bite crisp and refreshing.
Shrimp Louie Origins
While the exact origins are murky, most food historians agree that the shrimp louie emerged in San Francisco in the early 1900s.
Some say it was first created by Victor Hirtzler, chef of the St. Francis Hotel, who named it after a frequent customer named Louis.
Others credit the salad’s creation to the Solari family, who owned several restaurants in San Francisco in the 1920s-1950s. They supposedly dubbed it louie after a family member.
Regardless of its exact beginnings, the salad became popular at West Coast restaurants and luncheonettes in the early to mid 1900s. It remains a classic San Francisco dish to this day.
Differences Between Shrimp Louie & Crab Louie
Shrimp louie is very similar to another seafood salad called crab louie. The main difference lies in the protein.
While shrimp louie features shrimp as the star ingredient, crab louie uses lump crab meat instead. Both salads contain similar dressing and vegetable components.
Crab louie is thought to have also originated around the same time as shrimp louie in San Francisco. Legend has it that the Solari family simply substituted crab for shrimp when shrimp prices rose too high.
Some also say shrimp louie traditionally uses a ketchup-based dressing while crab louie dressing contains chili sauce. But modern recipes tend to use very similar dressing recipes for both.
Essential Ingredients for Shrimp Louie
While there are many variations, here are the key components that every shrimp louie salad needs:
-
Shrimp – Go for large shrimp that have been cooked, chilled, and peeled. Brine-frozen shrimp sold peeled and cooked are a convenient shortcut.
-
Lettuce – Crisp butter lettuce or iceberg are traditional, but you can also use tender baby spinach or spring mix. Romaine is also perfectly tasty.
-
Louie dressing – The creamy dressing is made from mayo, lemon juice, Worcestershire, ketchup, herbs and spices.
-
Eggs – Sliced hard boiled eggs add protein.
-
Avocado – Rich, buttery avocado provides creaminess.
-
Tomatoes – Cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half add pops of sweetness.
-
Cucumbers – Either thinly sliced or chopped cucumbers give crunch.
-
Radishes – Thinly sliced radishes add peppery bite.
Other nice additions include chives, parsley, capers, olives, diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, sliced scallions, or crumbled bacon.
How to Make Shrimp Louie Salad at Home
Making shrimp louie at home is easy. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
-
Cook 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp until pink and opaque. Chill completely.
-
Hard boil 4-6 eggs. Cool, peel, and slice in half.
-
Make the louie dressing by whisking together 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Wash and chop lettuce. Toss with a bit of dressing to lightly coat.
-
Arrange lettuce on a platter or bowls. Top with chilled shrimp, egg halves, avocado slices, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced radish, cucumber, etc.
-
Drizzle over more dressing and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
-
Enjoy this appetizing, retro salad for lunch or a light dinner!
Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Louie:
-
Use ice-cold high quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
-
Make the dressing ahead of time to allow flavors to meld.
-
Don’t overdress the salad – start with just a bit and add more if needed.
-
Arrange the toppings decoratively and garnish with fresh herbs.
-
Chill the whole platter before serving to keep the salad crisp.
-
Serve with lemon wedges, hot sauce, and extra dressing on the side.
-
Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or potato chips to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Eat Shrimp Louie:
-
Stuff it in a crusty hoagie roll for a po’ boy spin.
-
Serve it over pasta or a green salad.
-
Make shrimp louie lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
-
Skewer bite-sized pieces on toothpicks for appetizers.
-
Skip the dressing and eat it like a poke bowl.
-
Add louie dressing to wraps or sandwiches.
Shrimp Louie Fun Facts:
-
Early recipes used green shrimp rather than cooked shrimp. Thankfully cooked shrimp is more common nowadays!
-
Some restaurants served half of a hard boiled egg atop each salade. Fancy!
-
Traditionally the salad wasn’t dressed until it was served to prevent wilting.
-
Early published recipes didn’t include avocado, now considered a standard ingredient.
-
In the 1920s-30s, shrimp louie was considered an indulgent, upscale salad.
Shrimp Louie Season:
Shrimp louie makes a light and refreshing meal any time of year, but it’s especially ideal for spring and summer. The cool, crunchy vegetables paired with sweet cooked shrimp are perfect for warmer weather. It’s sure to satisfy on a balmy day.
This salad is also great for festive lunches and dinners like bridal or baby showers, Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, or graduation parties. And it can easily be doubled or tripled for big gatherings.
Some restaurants traditionally only offer shrimp louie during peak shrimp season which runs approximately from May to August. But modern supply chains make shrimp available year-round now.
Don’t be afraid to enjoy this deliciously retro salad in any season – just top it with in-season produce like spring radishes, summer tomatoes, or fall avocados.
Why You Should Add Shrimp Louie to Your Recipe Repertoire
If you aren’t yet familiar with shrimp louie salad, I highly recommend adding it to your repertoire. Here are some of the top reasons why:
-
It’s a refreshing, lighter salad perfect for spring and summer.
-
The dressing is creamy and flavorful – even people who don’t love mayo enjoy it.
-
It’s celebratory yet easy to make for a crowd or party. Perfect for luncheons.
-
You can add whatever crunchy veggies you have on hand.
-
The retro vibe feels fun, classy, and a little kitschy.
-
Both adults and kids enjoy the flavors and textures.
-
Shrimp elevates an everyday salad into something special.
-
Hard boiled eggs, shrimp, and avocado provide hearty protein and healthy fats.
-
Chilling it thoroughly makes it perfect for hot weather meals.
-
Serving it over greens turns it into a light, yet satisfying dinner.
Next time you spy shrimp louie on a menu or picnic potluck spread, dig right in to this West Coast classic. Or better yet, whip up a batch yourself to share with family and friends. It’s sure to be a new favorite!
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @foodnessgracious on Instagram and hashtag it #foodnessgracious so we can see all the deliciousness!Product reviews
Become the best home chef you can be!
Join thousands of others and receive our once-weekly newsletter in your inbox. Â Fresh Exclusive Content Engaging and Fun Weekly Polls Spam? Never.
By subscribing you agree with our Privacy Policy. Salad
Indulge in the refreshing classic shrimp Louie salad with this delicious recipe. Packed with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing.
Recipe insights & TIPS
It’s helpful to have a quick and easy dish that your guests always enjoy. And this Classic Shrimp Louie Salad is one of those dishes for me. The origins of this salad date back to San Francisco in the early 1900âs. Before it starts, there are greens. Then there are avocado, hard-boiled eggs, tomato, shrimp, and a special dressing that tastes like Thousand Island. That said, feel free to get creative with the toppings based on whatever you have in the kitchen.
Ketchup, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce (which I’m sure you have hidden in the back of a cupboard!) are all things that almost everyone already has in their pantry. That makes this dressing even better. It only takes a few minutes to throw together, with the longest part being cooking the shrimp. If you pre-thaw the shrimp, it will cut down your prep time substantially. I recommend thawing them overnight in the fridge if possible, or you can use fresh shrimp. Â.
When youâre purchasing your shrimp, make sure that itâs sustainably sourced. If you’re not sure, you can look for certifications from Naturland, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, the Marine Stewardship Council, or Best Aquaculture Practices. Â.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
I would encourage it, actually. Making the dressing in advance can enhance the flavors. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before pouring it over your salad.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
You can replace the shrimp with cooked chicken, crab, or even marinated tofu for a delightful twist. Can I add other veggies to the salad?.
If you need to get rid of some vegetables in your fridge, this salad is a great way to do it. Some great options are cooked beets, olives, baby potatoes, asparagus, sliced zucchini, or green beans. Â What can I serve with shrimp louie salad?.
They taste best when they’re put out on a big platter and everyone can take as many as they want. You can serve with crusty bread that can be used to mop up the sauce. This recipe would also go great alongside a herby risotto, grilled seafood or chicken, potatoes or over pasta. Â.
How do I store shrimp louie salad?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The dressing may cause the lettuce to wilt over time, so store it separately if possible. Ideally, you want to eat it within a day or two.
Can I make this dish vegan?
I left out the hard-boiled eggs to make this dish vegan. You can also use vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, or plant-based yogurt for the dressing. Another thing to remember is that most Worcestershire sauce has anchovies in it, so you’ll need to use a vegan version or soy sauce or balsamic vinegar instead.
This protein- and veggie-packed Shrimp Louie Salad is great for a light lunch during the week or as a potluck dish that everyone loves. It has a classic dressing made of mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, and the Cajun-seasoned shrimp go well with it. Course: SaladCOOKing TIME:10 minutesTotal TIME:30 minutesCUISINE:AmericanPREP TIME:20 minutesSERVINGS:6.
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- â cup ketchup
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb large peeled shrimp
- ½ tsp cajun seasoningÂ
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 large avocado (diced)
- 4 large eggs (boiled and sliced)
- Use a whisk to mix the dressing ingredients in a bowl until they are smooth. Put the bowl in the fridge. Â .
- In a pan, heat the oil and add the shrimp. Â .
- The shrimp should be cooked for three to four minutes, or until they are fully cooked. Â .
- Put the lettuce, tomato, avocado, and shrimp in a large bowl and mix them together. Â .
- Add in the dressing and toss the salad gently.Â
- Serve with hard-boiled egg slices (cut in half) on top.
Equipment youll need for this recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Louie – Classic Louie Salad Dressing Recipe – All-Purpose Seafood Sauce
How do you make Shrimp Louie?
Shrimp Louie is a filling and satisfying salad topped with seafood, eggs, avocado, and a delicious homemade creamy dressing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Shrimp vs Prawn vs Langoustine: Which is healthier?
Prawns come from fresh water, and are much larger than meatier than shrimp, like a langoustine. Large shrimp are often labelled as prawns. Both shrimp and prawns provide a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and low in calories. Langoustines look like large prawns. Prawns are healthier compared to shrimp and langoustine.
Can you use grilled shrimp for Louie?
Grilled Shrimp Louie: Use grilled shrimp (like the kind we use in our Thai Shrimp Salad) for a unique and delicious Louie salad. When buying fresh bay or salad shrimp, it’s important to smell it first. Fresh shrimp should smell mildly briny; sweet and salty, like the ocean. It should not smell fishy, or have even a hint of an ammonia odor.
Is Shrimp Louie a healthy salad?
Shrimp Louie includes shrimp, and eggs, plus avocado for those healthy fats that will make you feel happy and full. A Classic Recipe – There are thousands of ways to make a salad, but sometimes it’s best to stick with what has worked for years and years. Shrimp Louie, Nicoise Salad, and the classic Waldorf Salad are all great examples of this.