If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor and impressive presentation, this Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful salad that brings together perfectly grilled shrimp, crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for a light lunch or a fabulous dinner, this dish offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes that feels both classic and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a harmony of flavors and textures. From the juicy shrimp kissed by the grill to the fresh crunch of cucumbers and tomatoes, every component is essential yet simple to find.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that grills quickly and offers a sweet, smoky flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the shrimp moist and helps achieve that perfect char on the grill.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing that enriches every bite.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a slight tanginess that balances the richness of the mayo.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: A touch of sweetness and acidity in the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the dressing with its zesty freshness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a subtle umami note to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): Gives the dressing a gentle kick, adjustable to your preference.
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped: Adds creaminess and a classic Louie salad touch.
- 1 small cucumber, sliced: Provides refreshing crunch and color.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 2 cups mixed salad greens: A crisp, slightly peppery base for the salad.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by heating your grill to medium-high. This temperature is perfect for cooking shrimp quickly without drying them out. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper ensuring each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor and a nice char.
Step 2: Grill the Shrimp
Place the shrimp on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a beautiful opaque pink and have lovely grill marks. The shrimp should feel firm but still juicy to bite into.
Step 3: Whip Up the Louie Dressing
While the shrimp cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if you’re daring enough. This creamy dressing is packed with flavor, making every forkful deliciously rich and bright.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens with sliced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes. These fresh, crisp veggies provide great contrast to the creamy dressing and smoky shrimp.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Place the perfectly grilled shrimp on top of the salad, then drizzle generously with your homemade Louie dressing. Finish by sprinkling chopped hard-boiled eggs over the salad for a classic touch that elevates both the texture and look.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped hard-boiled eggs are the classic garnish here, adding a soft richness that mimics traditional Louie salads. For extra flair, a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or a dash of smoked paprika over the dressing can bring an elegant pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad shines beautifully on its own, but if you want to build a meal, consider serving it alongside crusty sourdough bread or a light, citrusy quinoa salad. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs exceptionally well to keep the meal light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the salad in individual lettuce cups or on a platter arranged with shrimp neatly lined up beside the colorful array of vegetables. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs as accents can turn this everyday dish into something worthy of a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the shrimp and salad components separate from the dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and allows you to enjoy fresh textures even after storing.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best not to freeze the entire prepared Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe once assembled. Instead, freeze any leftover cooked shrimp by themselves in a freezer-safe container for up to one month and use them in future dishes.
Reheating
To reheat cooked shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes until heated through, avoiding overcooking. Serve the salad components fresh and add the dressing just before eating for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before tossing with oil and seasonings to get the best grill results and avoid excess moisture.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries—shrimp can be cooked in a hot skillet or broiled in the oven. Both methods will give you a nice sear and delicious flavor, keeping the spirit of the Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe alive.
Is the hot sauce necessary in the dressing?
The hot sauce is completely optional, adding just a subtle heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to omit it or replace with a pinch of smoked paprika for a different kind of depth.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling to recombine the ingredients smoothly.
What salad greens work best?
Mixed salad greens are recommended for their variety of textures and flavors, but baby spinach or crisp romaine also work wonderfully if you want to customize the salad base.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe is more than just a salad—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and irresistible flavors that come together effortlessly. Give it a try, and I bet it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation, perfect for warm days or anytime you crave something bright and satisfying.
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Grilled Shrimp Louie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Shrimp Louie recipe features tender shrimp grilled to perfection and served atop a fresh salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, dressed with a creamy, tangy Louie dressing. Elegant and flavorful, this dish combines smoky grilled seafood with crisp vegetables and a zesty sauce, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Louie 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 the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature to cook shrimp quickly and evenly without overcooking.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined large shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper, coating them evenly for flavor and preventing sticking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp on the grill, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Make the Dressing: While the shrimp grill, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and optional hot sauce in a bowl, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy, tangy Louie dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh, crisp base.
- Add Shrimp and Dressing: Arrange the grilled shrimp on top of the tossed salad, then drizzle generously with the prepared Louie dressing to enhance all the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped hard-boiled eggs over the salad for added texture and protein, then serve immediately to enjoy the combination at its freshest.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the shrimp are deveined and peeled before grilling.
- If you prefer a spicier dressing, increase the amount of hot sauce according to taste.
- Hard-boil the eggs ahead of time to save preparation time.
- You can substitute mixed greens with your favorite salad greens like romaine or arugula.
- Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
