Introduction

Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a refreshing twist on the classic Caesar by replacing lettuce with crisp, thinly sliced cucumber. This light yet flavorful dish combines creamy homemade Caesar dressing and crunchy croutons, perfect for a quick lunch or side salad.

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a creamy cucumber salad. The base layer is made of bright green cucumber slices coated with a thick white creamy dressing. Scattered on top are small brown crispy bacon bits and light beige crumbly breadcrumbs. Thin, pale yellow cheese shavings are sprinkled unevenly over the salad. A fork with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl, partly buried in the salad. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 dry thoroughly.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
Step 4: Season with black pepper and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Whisk all ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Add a teaspoon or two of water if the dressing is too thick, adjusting to your preferred consistency.
Step 6: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced cucumber with the Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
Step 7: Just before serving, add the croutons and toss gently to combine.
Step 8: Transfer salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. If desired, arrange grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
Step 9: Serve immediately for the freshest taste and crunch.

Tips & Variations

To prevent sogginess, be sure to dry cucumber slices thoroughly before dressing.
For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add a dash of anchovy paste to the dressing for an authentic Caesar flavor.
Swap croutons for toasted nuts or seeds for a gluten-free crunch.
Include grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a satisfying main dish.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Because cucumbers release moisture, the salad is best enjoyed fresh. Keep croutons separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch. If refrigerated, the dressing may thicken; stir gently before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl of creamy cucumber salad with several layers and textures visible. The bottom layer is thick cucumber slices, green with a slight shine, covered evenly with a smooth, white creamy dressing. On top of the cucumbers, there are small, crispy golden brown breadcrumbs scattered throughout, adding a crunchy texture. Mixed in are tiny pieces of reddish-brown crispy bacon bits, providing bursts of color and texture. Thin, pale yellow cheese shavings are spread across the salad, sticking slightly to the creamy dressing and cucumber. The salad is served in a white bowl with a fork resting inside, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Caesar dressing up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Give it a good stir before using.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a small splash of soy sauce or a few drops of lemon juice can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.