Cucumber Caesar Salad
The Cucumber Caesar Salad is a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic Caesar salad. Combining crisp cucumbers, crunchy romaine lettuce, and tangy Caesar dressing, this light and healthy salad is perfect as a quick lunch, side dish, or snack. It offers a refreshing crunch and zesty flavor that can be easily customized with proteins or additional toppings, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 2 firm, crisp cucumbers (preferably English cucumbers)
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Caesar Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon zest or fresh herbs (dill, basil) for garnish
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry the cucumbers and romaine lettuce thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers thinly for a delicate crunch, and chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces to ensure a perfect balance in every forkful.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad: Combine the sliced cucumbers and chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the vegetables and toss gently to coat all pieces with the dressing.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Optionally, add lemon zest or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor and presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad fresh to enjoy the crisp texture of cucumbers and lettuce. It’s best eaten right after tossing to prevent sogginess and maintain the vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use English cucumbers for smoother texture and fewer seeds.
- Keep cucumbers and lettuce refrigerated until ready to use for maximum crispness.
- Make the dressing fresh to avoid preservatives and enjoy brighter flavor.
- Toss salad gently to prevent bruising the vegetables and maintain crunch.
- Customize croutons with garlic or herbs for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, quick salad, low-carb salad, light meal, Caesar dressing, easy salad recipe