Crab Louie Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crab Louie Salad, often dubbed the “King of Salads,” is a refreshing and elegant dish featuring sweet crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a creamy Louie dressing. With its roots in early 20th-century West Coast cuisine, this salad is perfect for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner. It’s both indulgent and healthy, offering a satisfying balance of flavor and texture.

ingredients

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

crab meat (preferably lump or Dungeness)romaine lettucehard-boiled eggstomatoesasparaguscucumberblack olivesavocadoLemon wedges for garnish

For the Louie Dressing:

mayonomustardketchupprepared horseradishWorcestershire saucelemon juicehot sauce (optional)saltblack pepper

directions

Prepare the Louie dressing by whisking together mayo, mustard, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.

Trim the asparagus and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Arrange it on a large serving platter or individual plates.

Slice the hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado.

Neatly arrange the crab meat, eggs, tomatoes, cucumber, asparagus, olives, and avocado over the lettuce.

Drizzle the Louie dressing over the top or serve it on the side.

Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 5 minutesChilling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or lobster as a substitute for crab.

Add a sprinkle of paprika or Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor.

Use butter lettuce or a mix of greens instead of romaine.

Include sliced radishes or bell peppers for added crunch.

Top with croutons for texture.

storage/reheating

Crab Louie Salad is best served fresh, but components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Do not freeze. Assemble just before serving for optimal texture and freshness.

FAQs

What kind of crab is best for Crab Louie?

Lump crab or Dungeness crab is preferred for its sweet flavor and texture.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components and dressing ahead, but assemble just before serving.

Is Louie dressing spicy?

It has a mild kick from horseradish and hot sauce, which you can adjust to taste.

Can I use canned crab?

Yes, but fresh crab is recommended for the best taste and texture.

What’s the origin of Crab Louie Salad?

It originated on the West Coast of the U.S., with historical ties to San Francisco and Seattle.

Can I serve it without eggs?

Yes, eggs are traditional but optional.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free—just double-check the ingredients in the dressing.

Can I add cheese?

Traditionally it’s cheese-free, but a sprinkle of feta or blue cheese could work.

What can I pair this salad with?

It pairs well with crusty bread, a light white wine, or iced tea.

Can I make it low-fat?

Use light mayo or Greek yogurt in the dressing to reduce fat content.

Conclusion

Crab Louie Salad is a classic that never goes out of style, combining tender crab, crisp vegetables, and a bold, creamy dressing for a dish that feels both retro and refined. It’s a satisfying choice for those who crave fresh, coastal flavors with a touch of elegance. Perfect for a warm day or a special meal, it’s sure to impress.

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