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Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 31 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A refreshing and creamy Cucumber Caesar Salad featuring thinly sliced English cucumber, a tangy homemade Caesar dressing made with mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, topped with crunchy croutons. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, with optional grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.


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

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
  • 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. Peel the cucumber: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the English cucumber, ensuring a smoother texture in the salad.
  2. Slice the cucumber: Thinly slice the peeled cucumber into 1/8 inch thick slices for a delicate bite.
  3. Remove excess moisture (optional): To prevent the salad from becoming watery, pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels or lightly salt and rinse them.
  4. Prepare the dressing base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
  5. Add flavorings to the dressing: Stir in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing mixture.
  6. Season the dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  7. Adjust consistency: Whisk the dressing until smooth; add a small amount of water if the dressing is too thick for your preference.
  8. Toss the salad: In a large bowl, gently combine the cucumber slices with the dressing until they are evenly coated.
  9. Add croutons: Right before serving, add the croutons and toss gently to maintain their crunch.
  10. Serve and garnish: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, then serve immediately for the best fresh flavor.

Notes

  • You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal with extra protein.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat mayonnaise.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Use homemade croutons for better flavor and texture if preferred.
  • Ensure cucumbers are thinly sliced for optimal texture and flavor absorption.