Cucumber Caesar Salad Twist

Welcome to a refreshing reinvention of a classic favorite! This Cucumber Caesar Salad transforms the traditional recipe by swapping romaine lettuce for crisp, hydrating cucumber. The result is a lighter, more refreshing dish that still delivers all the creamy, tangy goodness you expect from a Caesar salad. Each bite offers the perfect balance of cool cucumber, savory dressing, and satisfying crunch from the croutons and Parmesan.

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This modern twist on Caesar salad was born out of a hot summer day when turning on the oven seemed unbearable. The cool, crisp cucumber provides a refreshing canvas for the rich, garlicky dressing while maintaining that satisfying crunch we all love. It's become a staple for quick lunches and dinner parties alike, always garnering compliments and recipe requests.

Ingredients

• For the salad: 1 large English cucumber (peeled and thinly sliced), 1/4 cup croutons, 2 tablespoons extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
• For the dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Optional add-ins: Grilled chicken or shrimp, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 ripe avocado (diced), 2 tablespoons crispy bacon (crumbled), fresh herbs like dill or parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumber

Peel the cucumber fully or in stripes for added texture, then slice thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). For best results, sprinkle slices with a little salt, let sit in a colander for 15–20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then rinse and pat dry.

2. Make the dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until creamy. Add optional anchovies or red pepper flakes if desired. If the dressing is too thick, thin with 1–2 teaspoons of water.

3. Assemble the salad

In a large bowl, gently toss cucumber slices with enough Caesar dressing to coat. Add any optional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, bacon, or herbs if using.

4. Finish and serve

Just before serving, add croutons and toss gently. Transfer to a serving bowl or plates, garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. Top with grilled chicken or shrimp if desired.

5. Serve immediately

Enjoy right away for the best texture.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the crispest cucumber slices, use a mandoline slicer if you have one available. This ensures uniform thickness and perfect texture in every bite. The salt-and-drain method is optional but makes a significant difference in preventing the salad from becoming watery as it sits. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise in the dressing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This versatile recipe welcomes many variations. For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise, omit the Parmesan and Worcestershire, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can also incorporate other vegetables like radishes or bell peppers for additional color and crunch. For a touch of sweetness, add a handful of halved grape tomatoes.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this refreshing cucumber Caesar salad as a light lunch on its own, or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs particularly well with simple grilled chicken, salmon, or a crusty piece of bread. For an elegant presentation, arrange the cucumber slices in a circular pattern on individual plates and drizzle with dressing, or serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl with extra dressing on the side.

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This Cucumber Caesar Salad has become a favorite in our household, especially during warmer months when we crave something light yet satisfying. The combination of cool cucumber with the rich, garlicky dressing creates a perfect balance that keeps us coming back for more. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch option, a side dish for your next barbecue, or a fresh starter for dinner guests, this modern twist on a classic is sure to impress with minimal effort.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prepare the cucumber for the best texture?

Peel the cucumber fully or in stripes for added texture. Thinly slice and optionally sprinkle with salt to draw out moisture before rinsing and drying for a crisp bite.

→ Can this salad be made ahead of time?

Store the dressing separately from the cucumber slices to prevent sogginess, then toss together just before serving for optimal freshness.

→ What can I add for extra protein?

Grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent options to add a satisfying protein boost without overwhelming the salad’s light flavors.

→ Are there vegetarian adaptations available?

Yes, omit anchovies and bacon, and use vegetarian-friendly mayonnaise to maintain creamy texture without animal-derived ingredients.

→ How can I make the dressing thinner if needed?

Simply whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of water to loosen the dressing consistency without sacrificing flavor.