Save Last summer my sister dropped by with a beautiful English cucumber from her garden and challenged me to turn it into something unexpected. We stood in my kitchen, the air conditioning humming against the July heat, when I impulsively grabbed my Caesar dressing ingredients instead of the usual vinaigrette. The first bite made us both pause, that creamy tang against crisp coolness somehow feeling like discovering a secret.
I served this at a backyard barbecue last weekend, watching my friend Sarah hesitantly take her first bite. Her eyes lit up as she reached for seconds, admitting she had been skeptical about cucumbers in a Caesar but was now completely converted to the cause.
Ingredients
- English cucumber: These have thinner skins and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers, making them perfect for delicate slicing
- Mayonnaise: Full fat creates the silky restaurant style texture you are looking for, so do not skimp here
- Freshly grated Parmesan: Pre grated cheese lacks the melting quality that makes this dressing cling to every cucumber slice
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is non negotiable for that bright acid that cuts through the rich dressing
- Garlic: One clove might seem modest, but it packs plenty of punch when minced finely
- Croutons: Homemade cubes of sourdough or baguette transform this from light salad into something satisfying
Instructions
- Prep your cucumber:
- Peel the cucumber in stripes or completely, then slice into thin rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let rest in a colander for 15 minutes to draw out excess water, then rinse and pat completely dry.
- Whisk the dressing:
- Combine mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, Worcestershire, pepper, and salt until smooth. If it is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until pourable.
- Bring it together:
- Toss cucumber slices with just enough dressing to coat in a large bowl. Add any extras you are using, like cherry tomatoes or avocado, and fold gently.
- Finish and serve:
- Add croutons last so they stay crunchy, then top with extra Parmesan and black pepper. Get this to the table immediately.
Save This became our go to side for grilled chicken night, something my three kids actually agree on and request by name.
Making It Your Own
Swap half the cucumbers for romaine if you need something more substantial, or add baby arugula for peppery notes that play beautifully with the creamy dressing.
The Crouton Game
Day old sourdough transforms into golden cubes in a 375 degree oven. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake for 10 to 15 minutes, turning once. Your house will smell incredible.
Make Ahead Magic
Keep the sliced cucumbers and dressing in separate containers. Toss them together just before serving to maintain that perfect crunch factor.
- Store dressing in the fridge for up to one week
- Salted cucumbers stay fresh for 2 days when well wrapped
- Never dress this salad more than 30 minutes before serving
Save Sometimes the simplest twists end up becoming the recipes we make on repeat forever.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the cucumbers from making the salad watery?
Sprinkle sliced cucumbers with salt and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and patting dry. This draws out excess moisture and keeps your dressing creamy rather than diluted.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
For best texture, assemble just before serving. However, you can prep the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Slice and salt the cucumbers a few hours before, then toss everything together when ready to eat.
- → What protein additions work well with this salad?
Grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or even pan-seared salmon complement the Caesar flavors beautifully. For a vegetarian boost, add chickpeas or hard-boiled eggs. The salad is substantial enough on its own for a light lunch.
- → How can I make this Caesar salad vegan?
Use vegan mayonnaise as the dressing base, omit the Parmesan and Worcestershire sauce, and add nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative for cheesy flavor. Double the lemon juice and garlic to compensate for missing anchovy depth.
- → What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, thinly sliced red onion provides bite, diced avocado offers creaminess, or mix in some baby arugula or spinach for extra greens. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil brighten the overall flavor.
- → How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the dressing will keep for up to 5-7 days. The garlic flavor will mellow and intensify over time. Give it a good whisk before using, as it may separate slightly when chilled.