Cucumber Caesar Salad with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe
Introduction
This refreshing cucumber salad is a creamy twist on a classic Caesar, combining crisp cucumber slices with a tangy, cheesy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side, it’s easy to make and can be enhanced with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
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 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 the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing bowl.
- Step 4: Season with black pepper and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 5: Whisk the dressing until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Step 7: Just before serving, add croutons and gently toss to combine.
- Step 8: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Arrange grilled chicken or shrimp on top if using.
- Step 9: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- To prevent the cucumber from becoming watery, be sure to pat the slices dry or salt them and rinse before dressing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
- Try adding cherry tomatoes or red onion slices for more color and flavor.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The cucumbers may release water over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. Keep the croutons separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch. Reheat is not recommended.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but regular cucumbers have more seeds and thicker skins, so peeling and seeding them is recommended for the best texture.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the dressing and cucumbers separately and combine just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
PrintCucumber Caesar Salad with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe
This refreshing Cucumber Salad features thinly sliced English cucumber tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of lemon. Finished with crunchy croutons and an optional protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, it’s a light and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- 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, sprinkle the slices lightly with salt and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry before continuing.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Add Garlic and Parmesan: Mix in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese into the dressing.
- Season the Dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed by tasting the dressing.
- Whisk to Combine: Continue whisking until the dressing is creamy and smooth. If the dressing feels too thick, add one or two teaspoons of water incrementally until your desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the prepared Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Add Croutons: Just before serving, toss in the croutons gently to maintain their crunch.
- Garnish and Optional Protein: Transfer the salad to serving bowls or plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. If desired, top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra freshness, chill the cucumber slices before assembling the salad.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer, creamier dressing.
- Homemade croutons enhance the salad’s texture, but store-bought work well too.
- Adjust salt carefully, especially if using salted croutons or Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- The salad is best served immediately to keep croutons crisp.
Keywords: cucumber salad, Caesar dressing, easy salad recipe, creamy cucumber salad, side dish, healthy salad
