Hey y'all! If you're searching for a fresh spin on the timeless Caesar, this Cucumber Caesar Salad is about to become your new go-to. Crisp cucumbers, savory parmesan, and a creamy homemade dressing make it a cool, refreshing delight that's perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a light lunch. Whether you're a Caesar salad aficionado or just ready to jazz up your greens game, you'll love how simple, satisfying, and downright delicious this salad is. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cucumber Caesar Salad
- Ultra-crispy cucumbers add refreshing crunch to every bite.
- Homemade Caesar dressing offers bold, tangy flavor without fuss.
- Quick to prepare—just 20 minutes from start to finish!
- Lighter and gluten-free compared to traditional Caesar salads.
- Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main salad with protein add-ons.
Ingredients for Cucumber Caesar Salad
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 6 cups)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing (homemade Caesar dressing recipe)
- 1 cup crunchy croutons (gluten-free if desired)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Cucumber Caesar Salad: Step-by-Step
1. Prep Your Veggies
Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a towel or use a salad spinner for extra crispness.
2. Mix the Base
In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and chopped romaine. Toss them gently to mix.
3. Add the Dressing
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the cucumber and lettuce mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated and luscious.
4. Finish and Serve
Top your salad with grated Parmesan, croutons, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with chopped chives if you like a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for that perfect crunch!
Notes for the Best Cucumber Caesar Salad
- For maximum crunch, chill your cucumbers and lettuce before preparing the salad.
- Slice cucumbers evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect texture—see slicing tips at The Kitchn.
- Homemade dressing elevates the flavor, but quality store-bought Caesar works great in a pinch.
Cucumber Caesar Salad Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Greek Twist: Toss in Kalamata olives, feta, and cherry tomatoes for Mediterranean flair.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap out croutons for toasted almonds or walnuts for added crunch and nutrition.
Required Equipment for Cucumber Caesar Salad
- Large salad bowl
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Salad spinner or clean kitchen towel
- Tongs or salad serving utensils
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Cucumber Caesar Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. For optimal texture, keep the dressing on the side if preparing ahead—combine just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak for a protein-packed dinner.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy, complete meal.
- Enjoy solo as a refreshing lunch or light main course!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Caesar Salad
- Cut vegetables just before assembling to preserve their crispness and prevent wilting (& check these salads tips from Serious Eats).
- Use English or Persian cucumbers for tender skins and minimal seeds.
- Toss salad gently to avoid bruising delicate lettuce leaves and overmixing croutons.
Cucumber Caesar Salad FAQ
- Can I make Cucumber Caesar Salad ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep all ingredients up to a day in advance, but store salad and dressing separately. Combine just before serving for best crunch.
- What kind of cucumbers work best?
- English or Persian cucumbers are most recommended—they're sweet, seedless, and have thin skins that don't need peeling.
- Is this salad gluten-free?
- The salad itself is gluten-free; just use gluten-free croutons or substitute toasted nuts for a gluten-free version.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup garlic croutons
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Wash and slice the cucumbers. Chop the romaine lettuce and thinly slice the red onion.
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2In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumbers, romaine lettuce, and red onion.
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3Drizzle the Caesar dressing and lemon juice over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
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4Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic croutons over the top.
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5Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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