Introduction

This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a fresh and crunchy twist on the classic Caesar, perfect for warm days or as a light side. The creamy Parmesan dressing pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber slices, making it a refreshing dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

A white bowl filled with a creamy cucumber salad featuring several thick slices of fresh green cucumber coated in a white creamy dressing, topped with crumbled golden-brown toasted breadcrumbs, small pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon, and thin shavings of pale yellow cheese scattered on top, with a fork resting on the side and a wooden handle visible in the background, placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the thinly sliced cucumber to the bowl and toss gently to coat all slices evenly with the dressing.
Step 3: Sprinkle the croutons and additional Parmesan cheese over the salad just before serving for added crunch and flavor.
Step 4: If desired, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version with tang.
Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten up the flavor.
Make homemade croutons using day-old bread toasted with olive oil and garlic.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To keep the cucumbers crisp, consider storing the dressing separately and tossing just before serving. Reheat is not recommended, as this salad is best served cold and fresh.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy cucumber salad is shown, with sliced round green cucumbers coated in a smooth white dressing as the base layer. Scattered on top are small crispy brown bacon pieces and light beige breadcrumbs, adding texture and color. Thin, uneven shavings of pale cheese are layered over the cucumbers and bacon, adding a delicate touch. A wooden fork with a metal tip rests inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the photo has bright, natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 a thicker skin which might make the salad slightly more bitter or watery. Peeling and seeding them first will improve the texture and taste.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It can be prepared ahead, but for best texture, store the cucumbers and dressing separately and combine just before eating to avoid sogginess.

Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 254 reviews

This Cucumber Caesar Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Caesar, featuring thinly sliced English cucumber tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made with Parmesan, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Topped with crunchy croutons and additional Parmesan for garnish, this salad is a light, satisfying option perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side dish.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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

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 English cucumber and slice it thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Set aside in a large bowl.
Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Toss the salad: Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the sliced cucumber and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.
Add croutons and garnish: Sprinkle the croutons on top of the dressed cucumber and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese to taste.
Optional protein: If desired, add grilled chicken slices or cooked shrimp to the salad for extra protein.
Serve: Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and the crunch of the croutons for a fresh and flavorful salad experience.

Notes

For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Adjust the salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.
Using full-fat mayonnaise enhances the creaminess and flavor of the dressing.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free croutons or omit them.
The salad is best served fresh to retain the crisp texture of the cucumber and croutons.

Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, creamy Caesar dressing, cucumber salad, easy salad recipe, light meal, vegetarian salad