Cucumber Caesar Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Recipe
This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a refreshing and lighter twist on the classic Caesar. Thinly sliced English cucumbers are coated in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made with mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic. Crisp croutons add delightful crunch, while optional grilled chicken or shrimp transform it into a satisfying meal perfect for warm days or as a crisp side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
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
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
- 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 thoroughly and pat dry before proceeding to ensure the salad doesn’t become watery.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Add Garlic and Cheese: 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 the seasoning as needed by tasting the dressing.
- Whisk to Finish Dressing: Continue whisking all ingredients until the dressing is creamy and smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the Caesar dressing ensuring each slice is evenly coated without bruising the cucumber.
- Add Croutons: Right before serving, sprinkle croutons over the salad and gently toss to combine, maintaining their crunchiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. If desired, top with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to appreciate the crispness of the cucumber and crunch of the croutons.
Notes
- To avoid a watery salad, ensure cucumber slices are well dried before tossing with the dressing.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Croutons add necessary texture contrast; homemade croutons with garlic and herbs enhance the flavor.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp elevate this salad to a complete meal.
Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, Creamy Caesar Dressing, Refreshing Salad, Easy Summer Salad, Low-Calorie Salad
