Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic Caesar. Crisp cucumber slices are coated in a creamy, flavorful dressing and topped with crunchy croutons for a light and satisfying dish. It’s perfect as a refreshing side or a light meal on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the cucumber and slice it thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, lightly salt the slices and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing mixture.
4. Step 4: Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Step 5: Whisk the dressing until creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add one or two teaspoons of water to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the Caesar dressing until they are evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Just before serving, add the croutons and toss gently to combine.
8. Step 8: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top if desired.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, make your own croutons by toasting cubed bread with olive oil and garlic.
• Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fragrant twist.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier, lighter dressing.
• If you want a gluten-free option, substitute croutons with roasted nuts or seeds.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The cucumber may release moisture, so it’s best to add croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, but peel them well and remove seeds if they are large and bitter, as English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which work better for this salad.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Replace mayonnaise with a vegan mayo, omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative, and skip the Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan substitute.

Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 102 reviews

This refreshing Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a crisp twist on the classic Caesar with thinly sliced English cucumber tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made from mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon, and Dijon mustard, finished with crunchy croutons and optional grilled protein for a light yet satisfying dish.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein

Caesar Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Peel the English cucumber and slice it thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. For extra crispness, optionally lightly salt the slices and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before using.
2. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and combined.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing mixture.
4. Season the Dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning by tasting the dressing and adding more if needed.
5. Adjust Consistency: Whisk the dressing until creamy and smooth. If it is too thick, gradually add one or two teaspoons of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
6. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the thin cucumber slices with the Caesar dressing, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
7. Add Croutons: Just before serving, add the croutons to the salad and gently toss again to combine without crushing them.
8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper over the top. If desired, arrange grilled chicken or shrimp on the salad for extra protein.
9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to maintain the crunch of the cucumbers and croutons.

Notes

• To keep the cucumber crisp, pat dry thoroughly or salt and rinse as suggested.
• You can use store-bought croutons for convenience or make your own for extra flavor.
• For a richer taste, full-fat mayonnaise is recommended.
• Adding grilled chicken or shrimp turns this salad into a more substantial meal.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the mayo amount or substitute part with Greek yogurt.

Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, creamy Caesar dressing, cucumber salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe