Description
A light and refreshing twist on the classic Caesar salad, featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made with mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Perfect as a quick side or a healthy lunch, with optional grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
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, about 1/8 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before proceeding.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Add the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- Season the Dressing: Add black pepper and salt to taste. Whisk all ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices with the Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Add Croutons: Just before serving, add the croutons and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the cucumber Caesar salad fresh to enjoy the crisp textures and bright flavors.
Notes
- Salting cucumber slices before rinsing helps remove excess moisture and keeps the salad crisp.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer and creamier dressing.
- Adding grilled chicken or shrimp turns this salad into a satisfying main course.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crunch of the cucumbers and croutons.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, Refreshing Salad, No-Cook Salad, Light Caesar Dressing, Healthy Salad, Summer Salad, Easy Salad Recipe
