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Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

4.7 from 62 reviews

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.

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, 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.
  2. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  3. Add Garlic and Cheese: Stir in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring they are well incorporated into the dressing.
  4. Season the Dressing: Add black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed by tasting the dressing.
  5. Adjust Consistency: Whisk the dressing until creamy and smooth. If too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach your preferred consistency.
  6. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced cucumber with the Caesar dressing, making sure all slices are evenly coated.
  7. Add Croutons: Just before serving, toss the salad gently with croutons for added crunch.
  8. 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.
  9. 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