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Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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