Homemade Louie Dressing

Name: Homemade Louie Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup mayo (regular or vegan (I use Vegenaise)); 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons chopped chives; 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 clove garlic (minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon capers; 1/4 teaspoon prepared horseradish; 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish without liquid; salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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by Marcie // August 20, 2018 (updated 6/8/21)

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This Homemade Louie Dressing will take your shrimp louie salad over the top! It’s creamy, delicious and bursting with fresh flavor, and it comes together in 10 minutes!

Raise your hand if you’re guilty of ordering the same dish at certain restaurants over and over again. My hand is up! There are just some dishes that are too good and I’m afraid if I order something else I’ll be disappointed.

My family and I have been going to a restaurant for years that has two dishes that I decide between every time — the fish tacos or the grilled prawn louie salad.

The grilled prawn louie salad won me over the second I tasted it. The salad includes succulent charred prawns, roasted beets, olives, tomatoes and avocado — which are all ingredients that I love — but it’s the louie dressing recipe that makes it next level delicious.

I’ve purchased the louie dressing in the restaurant’s market because I didn’t think I could ever recreate a version that I would like as much as theirs.

I finally decided to give it a go, and I’m over the moon about this version. 🙂

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Louie dressing is reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing. It’s creamy and packed with fresh flavor, and is perfect drizzled over my shrimp louie salad or your favorite salad!
The recipe comes together in 10 minutes, and may be customized with your favorite mayo, vegan mayo or even Greek yogurt.
It’s a great make ahead recipe as the dressing keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe ingredients

There are a few ingredients in this louie dressing recipe, but they all play a part to make it extra special. Some ingredients may be customized as outlined below.

Mayo. Use your favorite mayo in this recipe. I use soy-free Vegenaise, which is vegan mayo because I love the flavor. You may also substitute the mayo for Greek yogurt.
Ketchup. I recommend using a natural ketchup that’s low in sugar if possible in order to keep the dressing from being sweet. I used just enough ketchup for mild tomato flavor.
Herbs. Fresh parsley and chives are what really set this louie dressing apart, so I don’t recommend leaving them out.
Worcestershire. This ingredient is instrumental in providing a deep, savory flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, try substituting it with reduced sodium soy sauce, tamari or liquid aminos.
Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice is recommended as bottled just doesn’t have that fresh flavor.
Capers. The capers provide a delicious tart, briny flavor — they’re a must!
Horseradish. The horseradish adds a touch of spiciness, and you can certainly add more for a more pronounced flavor.
Sweet pickle relish. The relish adds flavor and texture to the dressing. Dill pickle relish may be substituted if desired.

How to make this recipe

This louis dressing is extremely easy to make, and it’s ready in just 10 minutes!

Add all ingredients except for the pickle relish into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, then taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Pour the dressing into a bowl and stir in the pickle relish. Add up to 1 tablespoon more if desired.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Louie Dressing and Thousand Island Dressing?

Louie dressing (also known as louis dressing) typically contains mayo, chili sauce or ketchup, green onions and doesn’t contain sugar.
Louie dressing is not sweet and is slightly spicy from the chili sauce or horseradish that is often added.
Thousand Island dressing also contains mayo and ketchup, along with onion and sweet pickle relish. Thousand Island dressing is much sweeter than louie dressing and isn’t spicy at all.

How can I make Louie dressing with no mayo?

Substitute classic mayo with any type of vegan mayo or even Greek yogurt.

Recipe notes

I use Vegenaise in this recipe, which is a vegan mayo. I prefer the soy-free variety, but there are many to choose from including reduced fat. You can use your favorite mayo or even Greek yogurt!
Your favorite brand of ketchup may be used, but I recommend using a natural ketchup that’s low in sugar and doesn’t contain artificial ingredients. I used just enough to give the louie dressing a mild tomato flavor.
If you like a spicier dressing, substitute the ketchup with chili sauce or add more horseradish.

More salad dressing recipes to enjoy!

If you try this recipe I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag me @flavorthemoments on Instagram!