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Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

4.8 from 51 reviews

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.

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 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.
  2. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Garlic and Parmesan: Stir in the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the dressing mixture.
  4. Season the Dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.
  5. 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.
  6. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the prepared Caesar dressing until all pieces are evenly coated.
  7. Add Croutons: Just before serving, incorporate the croutons and toss gently to combine without breaking them.
  8. 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.
  9. 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