Cucumber Caesar Salad (Print Version)

Crisp cucumbers meet creamy Parmesan dressing and crunchy croutons in this light, hydrating modern Caesar variant.

# Components:

→ Salad

01 - 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
02 - 1/4 cup croutons
03 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

→ Caesar Dressing

04 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
05 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced
09 - 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/8 teaspoon salt

# Directions:

01 - Peel the cucumber fully or in stripes for texture variation, then slice thinly to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Optionally sprinkle slices with salt, let sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes to extract excess moisture, then rinse and pat dry thoroughly.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until creamy consistency is achieved. Adjust seasonings to taste. If dressing is too thick, thin with 1-2 teaspoons of water.
03 - In a large bowl, gently toss cucumber slices with sufficient Caesar dressing to coat evenly. Add any desired optional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, or fresh herbs.
04 - Just before serving, add croutons and toss gently. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates, garnish with additional Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. Top with grilled chicken or shrimp if desired.
05 - Present the salad right away to maintain optimal texture and crispness of all components.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick preparation - ready in just 15 minutes
  • Light and hydrating alternative to traditional Caesar salad
  • Versatile base for adding your favorite proteins and vegetables
  • Perfect balance of creamy dressing and crisp cucumber
  • Makes an impressive yet simple side dish for gatherings
02 -
  • Salt and drain the cucumber slices to prevent watery salad
  • Use an English cucumber for fewer seeds and thin skin
  • Add the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy
  • For homemade croutons, toss cubed bread with olive oil and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes
  • A microplane works best for grating fresh Parmesan into the dressing
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