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Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a fresh and creamy twist on the classic Caesar, featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers dressed in a rich homemade mayonnaise-based Caesar dressing. Topped with Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons, this salad is quick to prepare and perfect as a light appetizer or side dish. Optional grilled chicken or shrimp adds a protein boost for a more substantial meal.

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 thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. To remove excess moisture, pat the slices dry with paper towels. Alternatively, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry before proceeding.
  2. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until 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. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed to balance flavors.
  5. Whisk Until Smooth: Continue whisking until the dressing is creamy and smooth. If it appears too thick, add one or two teaspoons of water gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
  6. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the thin cucumber slices with the prepared Caesar dressing, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  7. Add Croutons: Just before serving, add the croutons to the salad and gently toss to combine for crunch and texture.
  8. 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. If desired, arrange grilled chicken or shrimp on top for added protein.
  9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and the crunchiness of the croutons.

Notes

  • Lightly salting the cucumber slices and allowing them to drain helps reduce excess water and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
  • Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer, creamier dressing, but you can substitute with low-fat mayonnaise if preferred.
  • Croutons add essential texture; consider homemade croutons seasoned with garlic and herbs for enhanced flavor.
  • For added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the salad well.
  • Adjust the seasoning of the dressing to taste, especially the salt, as Parmesan and Worcestershire sauce add saltiness.

Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, Creamy Caesar Dressing, No-Cook Salad, Easy Side Dish, Healthy Salad, Low Fat Salad

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/cucumber-caesar-salad-recipe/