If you’re craving a fresh twist on a classic, this Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe is an absolute game changer that’s as light as it is flavorful. Imagine crisp, thinly sliced cucumber meeting the rich creaminess of a homemade Caesar dressing, peppered with sharp Parmesan and a hint of garlic – all brought together with crunchy croutons for an irresistible texture. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even as a unique starter that will wow your friends and family. This salad takes just 15 minutes to whip up, proving that simplicity truly can deliver incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe is super simple, yet every single one plays a vital role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. From the cool crunch of the cucumber to the tangy, savory dressing, these ingredients complement each other beautifully to transform a humble vegetable into a salad sensation.
- 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced: Provides a fresh, crisp base with a mild flavor that soaks up the dressing perfectly.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat): Adds creaminess and richness, essential for that classic Caesar-style dressing texture.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish: Brings a nutty, salty depth that’s unmistakably Caesar.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed: Adds a bright, zesty tang to balance the richness of the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Gives a punch of savory sharpness that’s key to authentic Caesar flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides a complex umami note that deepens the dressing’s character.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Adds warmth and a touch of heat.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought): Delivers the satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cucumber.
- Optional: Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein: Turn this salad into a complete meal by topping with your favorite protein.
How to Make Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber
Start by peeling the cucumber to remove the slightly bitter skin, ensuring every bite is smooth and refreshing. Then, slice it thinly—about 1/8 inch thick—to allow the dressing to coat each piece evenly. If you want to avoid too much moisture diluting your salad, pat the slices dry with a paper towel or lightly salt them and rinse before draining well.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk these together until smooth to create the base of your dressing. Then, stir in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese, adding the garlic gradually to suit your preference for boldness. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt, adjusting carefully to find your perfect balance.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Transfer the sliced cucumber to a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over it. Gently toss everything together using tongs or salad forks, taking care not to bruise the cucumber slices. The idea is to have each crisp piece beautifully coated without making the salad soggy.
Step 4: Add Croutons and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle in the croutons and toss once more to ensure they’re mixed throughout. This last step keeps them crunchy and fresh. Pour the salad into a serving bowl, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a few grinds of black pepper, and get ready to enjoy your Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe at its best.
How to Serve Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate this salad from simple to stunning. Freshly grated Parmesan is a must, but you could also top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a glossy finish that enhances flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially chicken or shrimp, which also work well as optional toppings. It’s an ideal companion to crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or even a light pasta dish. The cool, crisp cucumber salad contrasts well with smoky or spicy mains, making it a versatile side dish for many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, consider layering the cucumber slices in a circular pattern on a platter, then drizzling the dressing artistically on top before scattering croutons and cheese. Alternatively, serve this salad in individual glass jars or bowls for a charming, casual look when entertaining guests. It’s simple to customize presentation to match your occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because cucumbers release water over time, the dressing might become a bit watery after a few hours. To minimize this, store the cucumber and dressing separately if possible, then combine just before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The high water content in cucumbers means freezing would lead to a mushy texture that takes away from the crisp freshness that makes this dish so delightful.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is neither necessary nor advised. However, if you’ve added grilled chicken or shrimp, those can be gently reheated separately and then combined with a freshly tossed salad for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but English cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making the salad less watery and more tender in texture.
Is mayonnaise necessary for the dressing?
Mayonnaise provides that creamy, luscious base for the dressing, but if you prefer, you could experiment with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly.
How can I make the salad less watery?
Patting the cucumber slices dry with paper towels or lightly salting and rinsing them helps remove excess moisture, preventing the salad from becoming soggy.
Can I add protein to turn this into a main dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp are fantastic additions that complement the flavors perfectly and make the salad more filling.
What type of croutons work best?
Homemade croutons are ideal because you can control the seasoning and crunch, but high-quality store-bought ones also work well. Look for golden, crisp croutons for the best texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe is truly one of those easy, feel-good dishes that never fail to delight. Whether you’re craving something refreshing on a hot day or looking to impress your dinner guests with minimal effort, this salad has all the right notes of crunch, creaminess, and tang. I encourage you to give it a try soon — it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites!
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Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and creamy Cucumber Caesar Salad featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers tossed in a homemade Caesar dressing with Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons. This quick, no-cook salad serves as a perfect light appetizer or side dish, with optional grilled chicken or shrimp to add 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
- Peel the cucumber: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the English cucumber, ensuring a smooth texture for the salad.
- Slice the cucumber: Cut the peeled cucumber into thin slices about 1/8 inch thick for a crisp yet tender bite.
- Remove excess moisture (optional): To prevent the salad from becoming watery, pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels or lightly salt them, then rinse and dry again.
- Prepare the dressing base: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the dressing with savory, creamy notes.
- Season the dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt, adjusting the quantities according to your taste preferences.
- Adjust consistency: Whisk the dressing thoroughly; add a small amount of water if needed to reach your desired thickness.
- Toss cucumber with dressing: Place the cucumber slices in a large bowl and gently toss them with the dressing until evenly coated without bruising the cucumber.
- Add croutons: Just before serving, sprinkle the croutons over the salad and toss gently to incorporate some crunch.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper on top, and serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Notes
- For extra protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer dressing.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Homemade croutons add a great texture contrast and flavor.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain cucumber crunch and dressing freshness.
