Cucumber Caesar Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Recipe
Introduction
Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a refreshing twist on the classic Caesar by replacing the usual romaine with crisp, cool cucumber slices. This light yet flavorful salad is perfect for warm days or as a quick side dish.
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, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before proceeding.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt, then taste and adjust as needed.
- Step 4: Whisk all ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced cucumber with the Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Just before serving, add the croutons and toss lightly to combine.
- Step 7: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Step 8: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and fresh flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, use homemade garlic croutons toasted with olive oil and herbs.
- Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten the flavor.
- Include grilled shrimp or chicken to make this salad a complete meal.
Storage
Store the cucumber and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to keep the cucumber crisp. After tossing with dressing and croutons, serve immediately as the salad may become soggy. Leftovers are best eaten cold and should be consumed within a day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but English cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, resulting in a more tender texture. If using regular cucumbers, peeling and removing seeds will improve the salad.
Is it necessary to salt the cucumber slices beforehand?
Salting cucumber slices helps draw out excess moisture, preventing a watery salad. It’s optional but recommended if you want a firmer texture and less dilute dressing.
PrintCucumber Caesar Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Recipe
This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a refreshing and light twist on the classic Caesar, combining crisp, thinly sliced English cucumber with a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made from mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. It’s perfect as a quick appetizer or a side dish, and can be enhanced with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cucumber
- 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
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
Salad Toppings
- 1/4 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Peel the cucumber and slice it thinly about 1/8 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before proceeding.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Garlic and Parmesan: Stir in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing bowl.
- Season the Dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed after tasting.
- Combine Dressing: Whisk all ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the thin cucumber slices with the prepared Caesar dressing until well coated.
- Add Croutons: Just before serving, add croutons to the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Salting cucumbers before assembling helps reduce excess moisture and prevents a watery salad.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor in the dressing.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, though the texture and taste will be different.
- Croutons add a satisfying crunch; homemade croutons can be made by toasting cubed bread with olive oil and garlic.
- Adding grilled chicken or shrimp turns this salad into a light, protein-rich meal.
Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, refreshing salad, easy Caesar dressing, cucumber salad, no-cook salad
