Cucumber Caesar Salad (Print Version)

Fresh cucumber slices with tangy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan. A light, hydrating twist on the classic.

# Components:

→ 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)
08 - Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)

→ Caesar Dressing

09 - 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
15 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16 - 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
17 - 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (optional)
18 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

# Method:

01 - Peel the cucumber completely or create stripes for visual interest. Slice into thin 1/8-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline. For optimal texture, sprinkle slices with salt and place in a colander for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until smooth and creamy. Incorporate anchovies or red pepper flakes if using. If consistency is too thick, gradually add 1-2 teaspoons of water while whisking until desired thickness is achieved.
03 - Place prepared cucumber slices in a large serving bowl. Pour dressing over cucumbers and gently toss until evenly coated. Add any optional ingredients including cherry tomatoes, red onion, diced avocado, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs, tossing gently to combine.
04 - Add croutons just before serving and toss lightly to maintain crunch. Transfer to individual plates or a decorative serving bowl. Garnish with additional shaved Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. For a complete meal, top with grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp. Serve immediately to preserve crisp texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cucumbers stay crisp forever, no wilted sadness here
  • You get all that Caesar satisfaction without feeling heavy afterward
  • It comes together in literally fifteen minutes flat
02 -
  • Salting the cucumbers first is the difference between watery salad and restaurant-quality texture
  • Never dress this more than 30 minutes before serving or the croutons will get sad and soggy
03 -
  • A mandoline makes perfectly uniform slices, but a sharp knife and some patience work just fine
  • If you want the classic anchovy flavor, mince them super fine so they disappear into the dressing
Return