If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and just the right touch of smoky goodness, this Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic California-inspired salad that perfectly balances the succulent charred shrimp with crisp greens and a tangy, creamy dressing. Every bite feels like a sunny afternoon on the coast, and it brings a satisfying yet light meal to your table with ease and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, offering a tender and juicy bite after grilling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the shrimp grill beautifully without sticking and adds a subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances every ingredient in the salad.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps form the base of the delicious dressing.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy balance to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Introduces a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dressing with citrus freshness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, slightly smoky layer to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped: A creamy, protein-rich garnish that adds nice texture contrast.
- 1 small cucumber, sliced: Offers a refreshing crunch and lightness to the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Provide juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups mixed salad greens: A fresh and crisp base that supports the other components perfectly.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe
Step 1: Get the Grill Ready
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the shrimp sears quickly and gets those gorgeous grill marks without overcooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Toss the shrimp in olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning lets the natural sweetness of the shrimp shine through once grilled.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Place the shrimp on the grill and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque, giving you that perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender texture.
Step 4: Whip Up the Louie Dressing
While the shrimp are grilling, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if you like heat. This dressing is creamy with just the right amount of tang and zest that brings the whole salad together.
Step 5: Toss the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes. These fresh ingredients provide a crisp and colorful contrast to the rich shrimp and dressing.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
Lay the grilled shrimp over the tossed salad greens, then drizzle generously with the Louie dressing. Each forkful is a delicious mix of smoky shrimp, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Garnish your salad with the chopped hard-boiled eggs. They add a satisfying creaminess and a classic touch to this timeless dish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the chopped hard-boiled eggs, feel free to add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few slices of ripe avocado. These little extras bring an extra burst of freshness and creaminess that complements the grilled shrimp perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crusty artisan bread or a light garlic baguette to mop up all that luscious dressing. For a heartier meal, a side of roasted potatoes or a chilled cucumber salad make delightful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish touch, serve the Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe in individual martini glasses or on a bed of butter lettuce cups for a fun finger-food option at parties. You can also arrange the ingredients separately on a platter and let guests build their own salad to mingle and chat over.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled shrimp and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the greens from wilting and keeps the shrimp tasting fresh.
Freezing
While shrimp itself freezes well, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing the fully assembled dish or the dressing isn’t recommended because it can affect texture and flavor. Instead, freeze only grilled shrimp if needed, and prepare the salad and dressing fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat leftover grilled shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave briefly just until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep them tender and juicy. Then, toss with fresh salad greens and dressing before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and remove any excess moisture before seasoning and grilling. This helps achieve that perfect char and prevents steaming on the grill.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe?
While the traditional recipe focuses on shrimp, you can swap in grilled tofu or even grilled avocado slices for a plant-based alternative. Just keep the dressing and fresh veggies for that familiar Louie flavor.
How spicy does the recipe get with the hot sauce?
The hot sauce adds a gentle warmth that complements the creamy dressing without overpowering it. You can always adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer it mild.
What type of greens work best in this salad?
Mixed salad greens like butter lettuce, romaine, and arugula give a great balance of crispness and flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites, but avoid very bitter greens to keep the dish harmonious.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the Louie dressing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before drizzling over the salad.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe enough if you’re looking for a fresh, satisfying meal that feels special but comes together with ease. It’s the kind of dish that impresses at dinner parties or makes a weeknight feel like a celebration. Grab your shrimp and get grilling—you’re in for a real treat!
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Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A fresh and flavorful Grilled Shrimp Louie salad featuring tender grilled shrimp served over mixed greens, crisp cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, all topped with a tangy Louie dressing and garnished with chopped hard-boiled eggs. Perfect for a light, protein-packed meal on warm days.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Salad
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot and ready for the shrimp.
- Season Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper, evenly coating them for grilling.
- Grill Shrimp: Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are cooked through but still tender.
- Prepare Dressing: While the shrimp grill, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using) in a small bowl to create the Louie dressing.
- Toss Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes, tossing gently to mix all ingredients.
- Assemble Salad: Place the grilled shrimp on top of the tossed salad greens and vegetables.
- Dress and Garnish: Drizzle the salad with the Louie dressing and garnish with the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spiciness in the dressing by adding more or less hot sauce, or omit it entirely for a milder taste.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free.
- Shrimp can be substituted with cooked crab or lobster for a variation on this classic Louie salad.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their juicy texture.
- This salad is best served fresh and should be eaten soon after dressing is added.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
