Description

This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a refreshing and light twist on the traditional Caesar, combining crisp, thinly sliced cucumber with a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect as a quick appetizer or a side dish, this salad balances tangy, savory flavors with crunchy croutons and optional protein additions like grilled chicken or shrimp.

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

Prepare the Cucumber: Peel the cucumber and slice it thinly, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, lightly salt the slices and let them drain in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry thoroughly before proceeding.
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 Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing mixture.
Season the Dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as necessary to balance flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Whisk all dressing ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a teaspoon or two of water to achieve desired consistency.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the prepared Caesar dressing, ensuring all slices are evenly coated.
Add Croutons: Right before serving, toss in the croutons gently to maintain their crunch.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, arrange grilled chicken or shrimp on top for added protein.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy this crisp and flavorful salad fresh for the best texture and taste.

Notes

Lightly salting and draining the cucumber slices helps reduce excess water and prevents a soggy salad.
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing variation.
Grilled chicken or shrimp adds protein and makes the salad a complete meal.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the dressing and garnish.
Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the cucumber and croutons.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, Caesar dressing, cucumber salad, easy salad recipe, refreshing salad, no-cook salad, light salad