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Cucumber Caesar Salad with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

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.

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. 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.
  2. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Garlic and Parmesan: Mix in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese into the dressing.
  4. Season the Dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed by tasting the dressing.
  5. 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.
  6. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the prepared Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
  7. Add Croutons: Just before serving, toss in the croutons gently to maintain their crunch.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/cucumber-caesar-salad-with-parmesan-and-croutons-recipe/