Crab Louie Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crab Louie Salad is a classic, refreshing dish that features a perfect combination of sweet, tender crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This iconic salad, often associated with West Coast cuisine, offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a party appetizer, or a refreshing summer dinner, Crab Louie Salad is sure to impress with its bright, zesty flavors and elegance.

Ingredients

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

• Fresh crab meat (preferably lump or backfin)
• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Avocado
• Sweet peppers
• Green onions
• Lemon wedges

For the dressing:

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Start by preparing the ingredients: peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs, slice the cucumber and sweet peppers, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well-combined. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, or more hot sauce, depending on your preference.
3. In a large serving dish or individual bowls, lay down a bed of fresh lettuce or mixed greens.
4. Arrange the crab meat, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, sweet peppers, and green onions on top of the greens in a decorative manner.
5. Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad or serve it on the side.
6. Garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a bit more flavor.
• Swap the crab for shrimp or lobster for a different seafood twist.
• For a spicier kick, include diced jalapeños in the salad.
• Use a tangy thousand island dressing if you prefer a different flavor profile.
• Top with freshly chopped parsley for added color.

Storage/Reheating

Crab Louie Salad is best served fresh. If you need to store leftovers, separate the dressing and the salad components, as the greens will wilt once dressed. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab for this salad?
While fresh crab meat is recommended for the best flavor, imitation crab can be used in a pinch, but it won’t have the same tender texture.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad right before serving to maintain freshness.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What other vegetables can I add?
You can add sliced radishes, asparagus, or even a few olives for a more complex flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Crab Louie Salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.

Conclusion

Crab Louie Salad is a refreshing and sophisticated dish that pairs the sweetness of fresh crab with a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.

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