Crisp cucumbers tossed with creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and croutons for a refreshing twist on the classic.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salad Base
01 - 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
02 - 1/4 cup croutons, homemade or store-bought
03 - 2 tablespoons extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
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)
09 - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein (optional)
→ Caesar Dressing
10 - 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 clove garlic, minced
15 - 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
16 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
17 - 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
18 - 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (optional)
19 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Peel the cucumber fully or create stripes for added texture, then slice thinly about 1/8 inch thick. For optimal texture, sprinkle slices with salt and let drain in a colander for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until fully incorporated and creamy. Add anchovies or red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust consistency with 1-2 teaspoons water if too thick.
03 - In a large bowl, gently toss cucumber slices with enough Caesar dressing to coat evenly. Incorporate any optional additions including cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, bacon, or fresh herbs as desired.
04 - Just before serving, add croutons and toss gently to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Top with grilled chicken or shrimp if serving as a main course.
