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Cucumber Caesar Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a refreshing twist on the classic Caesar by substituting romaine lettuce with crisp, thinly sliced English cucumber. Combined with a creamy homemade Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and optional protein additions like grilled chicken or shrimp, it’s a light yet flavorful dish perfect for warm weather or as a quick, healthy side.

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

  1. Prepare the Cucumber: Peel the cucumber and slice it very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Alternatively, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes to draw out water, then rinse and pat dry before proceeding.
  2. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined and smooth.
  3. Add Garlic and Parmesan: Stir in the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the dressing mixture.
  4. Season the Dressing: Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Adjust Dressing Consistency: Whisk all ingredients until the dressing is creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add one or two teaspoons of water to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the thinly sliced cucumber with the prepared Caesar dressing until all slices are evenly coated.
  7. Add Croutons: Just before serving, toss in the croutons to maintain their crunch.
  8. Garnish and Optional Protein: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with more grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. If desired, arrange grilled chicken or shrimp on top for added protein.
  9. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Lightly salting the cucumber removes extra moisture and prevents the salad from becoming watery.
  • Full-fat mayonnaise ensures a rich, creamy dressing, but you can substitute with a lighter version if preferred.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Croutons should be added just before serving to keep them crunchy.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan and substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative.
  • If adding grilled chicken or shrimp, ensure they are cooked and cooled before adding to the salad.

Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, Caesar dressing, refreshing salad, light salad, no-cook salad, healthy salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/cucumber-caesar-salad-a-refreshing-twist-on-a-classic-recipe/