Louis Dressing is my go-to choice for seafood salads. I’ve tried many dressings, but nothing complements the delicate flavors of seafood quite like this classic recipe.
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Louis dressing recipe
Louis dressing, originating from America’s West Coast in the early 1900s, is a creamy, tangy dressing known for its flavorful blend of mayonnaise and red chili sauce. Often used in seafood salads like Crab Louis and Shrimp Louis, this dressing typically includes minced green onions and green chili peppers to enhance its unique taste.
Louis salad dressing is often compared to Thousand Island dressing because they share a creamy base. However, the Louis is less sweet and spicier thanks to chili sauce or horseradish. Thousand Island, on the other hand, is generally sweeter, as it often includes sweet pickle relish.
This dressing has become a staple for seafood lovers and is widely appreciated for adding rich, bold flavors to salads. Here’s how to make the Louis dressing:
Louis dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish optional, for extra spice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions or chives Optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup or chili sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish (if using).
- Stir in the paprika and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped green onions or chives.
- Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
How to pair
From salads to seafood, Louis dressing complements countless flavors and textures.
1. As Salad Dressing
- Crab Louie Salad with crab on crisp lettuce, topped with tomatoes, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs
- Shrimp Louie Salad with shrimp, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and avocado, with optional croutons and pickled onions
- Seafood Salads with grilled prawns, roasted beets, olives, and fresh veggies
- Vegetable Salads with cucumbers, avocados, and cherry tomatoes
- Chicken or salmon salads
2. Dipping Sauce:
- Fried seafood like popcorn shrimp or crab cakes.
- Cold seafood platters
- Roasted vegetables
- Pickled vegetables
3. Sandwich Spread: For a tasty appetizer or light meal, spread Louis Dressing on shrimp or crab tartines, enhancing each bite.
Variations
Try these Louis dressing variations to match different seasons and tastes.
1. No Mayo Version
- Replace mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo
- Include fresh herbs like parsley and chives, along with lemon juice for acidity
- Maintain the creamy texture while reducing calories
2. Whipped Cream Corporation: Combine mayonnaise, minced onion, chili sauce, lemon juice, and whipped cream.
3. Gourmet Variant: Incorporate Dijon mustard, capers, and smoked paprika.
