Tired of the same old salads? Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Shrimp Louie Salad Dressing recipe is a game-changer, taking a classic to new heights of deliciousness. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, making it the ideal accompaniment to your favorite shrimp salad or as a delightful dip. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner idea or a healthy meal for lunch. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 1 ½ cups of dressing, enough for a large salad or generous serving as a dip.
- 1 cup mayonnaise (high-quality mayonnaise makes a difference!)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup buttermilk or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, buttermilk (or sour cream), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Blend: Whisk vigorously until the dressing is completely smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This ensures a consistent texture and flavor throughout.
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Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more complex and delicious taste.
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Serve: Spoon the dressing over your favorite shrimp salad, use it as a dip for vegetables or crackers, or get creative and use it as a marinade for grilled shrimp!
Tips for the Best Shrimp Louie Salad Dressing:
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lemon juice makes a significant difference in the taste of the dressing. The brightness of fresh lemon juice complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of horseradish, sugar, or cayenne pepper to suit your preferences. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar. If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch more cayenne.
- Make it Ahead: The dressing tastes even better after it's had time to chill in the refrigerator. You can easily make it a day ahead of time.
Variations:
- Dill Delight: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh dill for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Avocado Creaminess: For a richer, creamier dressing, add ½ of a ripe avocado, blended until smooth before incorporating other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. Always check your ingredient labels for accurate nutritional information.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
- Sugar: 5-7g
This easy recipe for Shrimp Louie Salad Dressing is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or a special occasion, this dressing is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!