Print

Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

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. 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

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/cucumber-caesar-salad-recipe/