Crab Louie

Crab Louie

Crab Louie, often called the “King of Salads,” is a classic American dish that dates back to the early 20th century. This vibrant salad showcases succulent crab meat atop crisp greens, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Louie dressing.

Perfect for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner, Crab Louie is an elegant yet easy-to-prepare dish that combines freshness and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 pound fresh lump crab meat

4 cups mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, sliced

2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup asparagus spears, blanched and chilled

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Lemon wedges (for garnish)

For the Louie Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)

Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse and dry the mixed greens. Arrange them as the base on a large serving platter or individual plates.

Slice the tomatoes, cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, and red onion. Blanch the asparagus by boiling it for 2 minutes, then transferring it to an ice bath to cool.

Step 2: Make the Louie Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using).

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with a splash of water if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Arrange the tomatoes, cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, asparagus, black olives, and red onion around the greens.

Gently place the crab meat in the center of the salad, keeping the lumps intact for a visually appealing presentation.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the Louie dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side for guests to add as they prefer. Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty touch.

Chef’s Note

For the freshest flavor, use high-quality crab meat or freshly steamed crab legs. Ensure all shell pieces are removed before serving.

Substitute Dungeness crab with blue crab or imitation crab if fresh crab is unavailable.

To elevate the presentation, serve the salad in chilled glass bowls or on a bed of crushed ice.

Add avocado slices or a sprinkle of fresh dill for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition Information (per serving, serves 4)

Calories: 250

Protein: 22g

Carbohydrates: 8g

Fat: 15g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 4g

Sodium: 420mg

Crab Louie is a timeless dish that combines elegance, simplicity, and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.