Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe
This refreshing Cucumber Caesar Salad reimagines the classic Caesar with thinly sliced English cucumber tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of lemon, this salad is light yet flavorful, perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Optional grilled chicken or shrimp adds protein for a satisfying boost.
- Author: Sienna
- 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 Fat
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
- Prepare the Cucumber: Peel the cucumber and slice it thinly, approximately 1/8 inch thick. To reduce moisture, pat the slices dry with paper towels. Alternatively, sprinkle the slices lightly with salt and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry thoroughly.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Add Garlic and Parmesan: Stir in the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the dressing mixture.
- Season the Dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.
- Adjust Dressing Consistency: Continue whisking until the dressing is creamy and uniform. If too thick, add one or two teaspoons of water to achieve desired consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the prepared Caesar dressing until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Add Croutons: Just before serving, incorporate the croutons and toss gently to combine without breaking them.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. If desired, top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to maintain crispness and texture.
Notes
- To avoid soggy salad, ensure cucumber slices are well dried before mixing with dressing.
- For a lighter dressing, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-rich variation.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- If Worcestershire sauce is unavailable, a dash of soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, Caesar dressing, cucumber salad, easy salad recipe, light salad, no-cook salad, summer salad