Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cucumber Caesar Salad is a fresh twist on the classic Caesar, featuring crisp cucumber slices and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp makes it a satisfying meal.

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 mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing mixture.
4. Step 4: Season with black pepper and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Step 5: Whisk all ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the Caesar dressing until 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 and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Arrange grilled chicken or shrimp on top if using.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra crisp texture, refrigerate the sliced cucumbers for 30 minutes before dressing.
• Use homemade croutons for added crunch and flavor, toasted with garlic and herbs.
• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing without losing creaminess.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon zest to brighten the dressing further.
• Include sliced cherry tomatoes or avocado for added color and nutrients.

Storage

Store any leftover salad without the croutons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To keep crunch, add croutons just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as the salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers. Just be sure to peel them and remove excess moisture for the best texture.

Is mayonnaise necessary for this dressing?

Mayonnaise provides creaminess and body to the dressing, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version if preferred.

Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 67 reviews

A light and refreshing Cucumber Caesar Salad featuring thinly sliced English cucumber tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing made with mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and garlic, finished with crunchy croutons and an optional protein topping of grilled chicken or shrimp.

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

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. Alternatively, you can lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes to draw out water, then rinse and pat dry before using.
2. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Garlic and Cheese: Add the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing bowl.
4. Season the Dressing: Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed to your preference.
5. Whisk Until Creamy: Whisk all the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If the dressing feels too thick, add one or two teaspoons of water to thin it to your desired consistency.
6. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the thinly sliced cucumber with the prepared Caesar dressing until the slices are evenly coated.
7. Add Croutons: Just before serving, add the croutons to the salad and gently toss to combine, maintaining their crunch.
8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. If desired, arrange grilled chicken or shrimp on top for added protein.
9. Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the cucumber and croutons.

Notes

• You can lightly salt the cucumber slices ahead of time to reduce excess water and keep the salad crisp.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt, though flavor will vary.
• To add protein, grilled chicken breast or shrimp make excellent toppings.
• Homemade croutons enhance texture and flavor, but store-bought versions are a convenient alternative.
• Adjust the garlic and lemon juice to taste for a more pronounced Caesar flavor.
• The salad is best eaten immediately to avoid sogginess from the dressing.

Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, creamy Caesar dressing, easy cucumber salad, no-cook salad, light summer salad, vegetarian Caesar salad