These Crab Louie Lettuce Cups are a fresh, light, and flavorful appetizer or lunch that’s ready in minutes. Tender lump crab meat is tossed in a creamy, tangy Louie-style dressing with fresh herbs, capers, and sweet chili sauce, then served in crisp butter lettuce leaves. Perfect for entertaining or a healthy low-carb meal, these lettuce cups are elegant, refreshing, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 15 minutes
• No cooking required
• Light, fresh, and satisfying
• Perfect for parties and entertaining
• Naturally low in carbohydrates
• Packed with fresh seafood flavor
• Easy to prepare ahead of time

Ingredients

Crab Louie Filling

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons capers
• 1 pound pre-cooked lump crab meat, drained
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving

• 14 butter lettuce leaves
• Cherry tomatoes, diced
• Avocado, diced

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, parsley, green onions, capers, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Reserve about one-third of the dressing for serving.
3. Gently fold the lump crab meat into the remaining dressing until evenly coated.
4. Wash and dry the butter lettuce leaves, then arrange them on a serving platter.
5. Spoon the Crab Louie Lettuce Cups filling evenly into each lettuce leaf.
6. Drizzle the reserved dressing over the top or serve it on the side.
7. Garnish with diced cherry tomatoes and avocado.
8. Serve immediately while chilled.

Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
• Gently fold the crab into the dressing to keep the pieces intact.
• Chill the filling for 20–30 minutes before serving for even better flavor.
• Pat the lettuce leaves dry to keep them crisp.
• Add diced cucumber or celery for extra crunch.
• Garnish with fresh dill or chives for additional freshness.

Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 14 lettuce cups

Category: Appetizer

Method: No-Cook

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: Easy

Dietary Notes: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free (check Worcestershire sauce), Seafood

Notes

• Romaine leaves or little gem lettuce can be substituted for butter lettuce.
• Greek yogurt can replace part of the mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
• Serve as an appetizer, light lunch, or brunch dish.
• Pair with fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg

FAQ

Can I make Crab Louie Lettuce Cups ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the crab mixture up to one day in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble the lettuce cups just before serving.

Can I use imitation crab?

Yes, although real lump crab meat provides the best flavor and texture.

How long will the filling last?

Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Can I serve this another way?

Absolutely. Serve it as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or over mixed greens for a delicious salad.

What lettuce works best?

Butter lettuce is ideal because it’s tender and naturally forms cup-shaped leaves, but romaine hearts or iceberg lettuce also work well.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store the crab filling in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate.

Serving Tip: Assemble the lettuce cups just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.

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Crab Louie Lettuce Cups

Crab Louie Lettuce Cups combine tender lump crab with creamy Louie dressing in crisp butter lettuce leaves.

Ready in just 15 minutes, they're a refreshing appetizer or light meal.

Top with avocado and cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

Crab Louie Filling

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• ¼ cup green onions sliced
• 3 tablespoons capers
• 1 pound pre-cooked lump crab meat drained
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

• 14 butter lettuce leaves
• Cherry tomatoes diced
• Avocado diced

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, parsley, green onions, capers, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
• Reserve about one-third of the dressing for serving.
• Gently fold the lump crab meat into the remaining dressing until evenly coated.
• Wash and dry the butter lettuce leaves, then arrange them on a serving platter.
• Spoon the Crab Louie Lettuce Cups filling evenly into each lettuce leaf.
• Drizzle the reserved dressing over the top or serve it on the side.
• Garnish with diced cherry tomatoes and avocado.
• Serve immediately while chilled.

Notes

• Romaine leaves or little gem lettuce can be substituted for butter lettuce.
• Greek yogurt can replace part of the mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
• Serve as an appetizer, light lunch, or brunch dish.
• Pair with fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

 

Conclusion

These Crab Louie Lettuce Cups are an easy, elegant seafood recipe that’s perfect for everything from casual lunches to special occasions. With creamy Louie dressing, tender crab, crisp lettuce, and fresh garnishes, every bite is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. They’re a simple yet impressive dish you’ll want to make again and again.