Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe
This refreshing Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a delightful twist on the classic Caesar by incorporating thinly sliced English cucumber tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made from mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Finished with crunchy croutons and an optional protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, this salad is a light, flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side.
- 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: Gluten Free
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, about 1/8 inch thick. To remove excess moisture, pat the slices dry with paper towels or lightly salt them and let sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes. Rinse if salted and pat dry again before proceeding.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Add Garlic and Cheese: Stir in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring they are well incorporated into the dressing.
- Season the Dressing: Add black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed by tasting the dressing.
- Adjust Consistency: Whisk the dressing until creamy and smooth. If too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced cucumber with the Caesar dressing, making sure all slices are evenly coated.
- Add Croutons: Just before serving, toss the salad gently with croutons for added crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, top with grilled chicken or shrimp for additional protein.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to maintain the crispness of the cucumber and the crunch of the croutons.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade croutons seasoned with garlic and herbs.
- Ensure cucumbers are well dried to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- This salad is best served immediately after assembly to keep the croutons crunchy.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp can be prepped ahead of time for a quicker meal.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and black pepper according to your taste preference.
Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, no-cook salad, creamy Caesar dressing, light salad, easy summer salad, mayonnaise Caesar dressing, healthy salad with protein