Cucumber Caesar Salad (Print Version)

Crisp cucumber slices tossed in creamy Caesar dressing with Parmesan and croutons for a lighter, hydrating twist on the classic.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad Components

01 - 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
02 - 1/4 cup croutons, homemade or store-bought
03 - 2 tablespoons extra Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
04 - 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, optional
05 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced, optional
06 - 1/2 ripe avocado, diced, optional
07 - 2 tablespoons crispy bacon, crumbled, optional

→ Caesar Dressing

08 - 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
09 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 clove garlic, minced
13 - 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - 1/8 teaspoon salt, plus additional for cucumber preparation
16 - 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Peel the cucumber completely or create alternating stripes for visual appeal. Slice into thin 1/8-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline. For optimal texture, sprinkle slices lightly with salt and place in a colander for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels before proceeding.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth and creamy. If incorporating anchovies, add them at this stage. Should the dressing appear too thick, gradually add 1-2 teaspoons of water while whisking to achieve desired consistency.
03 - Place prepared cucumber slices in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with prepared Caesar dressing and toss gently using salad servers or hands to coat evenly without damaging the cucumber. If using optional add-ins such as cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, or bacon, incorporate them at this stage and toss gently to distribute.
04 - Add croutons immediately before serving to maintain crunch. Transfer salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with additional shaved Parmesan cheese and a fresh grinding of black pepper. If adding protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp, arrange on top or alongside.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The crunch against creamy dressing is ridiculously satisfying
  • Ready in fifteen minutes flat, no cooking required
02 -
  • Salt and drain the cucumber or your dressing will become watered down within minutes
  • The dressing tastes significantly better after resting for at least twenty minutes
03 -
  • Use a mandoline for perfectly uniform slices that look professional
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like subtle warmth in the background
Go Back