Introduction

This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a fresh, crunchy twist on the classic Caesar. With a creamy, tangy dressing and crisp cucumber slices, it’s a light and refreshing dish perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side.

A close-up view of a creamy cucumber salad in a white bowl resting on a white marbled surface, filled with thick slices of bright green cucumbers coated in a smooth white dressing. Scattered on top are small crispy bacon pieces that add a rich reddish-brown color and some breadcrumbs that give a light golden crunch. Thin white shavings of cheese are spread unevenly across the salad. A fork with a light wooden handle lies inside the bowl, leaning against its side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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, sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing bowl.
Step 4: Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Whisk all ingredients together until the dressing is creamy. If it feels too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Gently toss the cucumber slices with the Caesar dressing in a large bowl until evenly coated.
Step 7: Just before serving, add the croutons and gently toss again to combine.
Step 8: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top if desired.
Step 9: Serve immediately for the freshest taste and crunch.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of anchovy paste to the dressing.
Use homemade croutons toasted in garlic butter for a richer taste.
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing while keeping it creamy.
If cucumber wateriness is a concern, salting and draining the slices beforehand helps maintain a crisp texture.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To keep the croutons crunchy, store them separately and add just before serving. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, gently toss again before serving. Reheating is not recommended.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a cucumber salad consisting of thick, fresh green cucumber slices layered with creamy white dressing, sprinkled evenly with a textured golden-brown crumb topping, scattered pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon, and thin, light beige cheese shavings. A fork with a wooden handle is resting inside the bowl, partially covered by the salad. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but they have more seeds and thicker skin. Consider peeling and removing the seeds to reduce bitterness and excess moisture.

Is this dressing similar to traditional Caesar dressing?

This version uses mayonnaise as a base for creaminess and skips raw egg and anchovies, making it a simpler, milder alternative while still capturing the classic flavors.