Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a refreshing twist on the classic Caesar, combining crisp mini cucumbers with savory bacon, crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, and a creamy dressing. It’s a light, flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a side for dinner.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces mini seedless cucumbers
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shaved)
- 4 ounces bacon (cooked & crumbled)
- 1/2 tablespoon salted butter
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (or to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon of salted butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring regularly, until they turn golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Slice the cucumbers into thin 1/4-inch slices and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup of shaved Parmesan, 1/4 cup of crumbled bacon, 2 tablespoons of toasted breadcrumbs, and Caesar dressing to the cucumbers. Toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Garnish the salad with additional Parmesan, bacon, and toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add toasted nuts or roasted chickpeas for crunch.
- Use homemade Caesar dressing for a fresher taste or try a lighter yogurt-based dressing for fewer calories.
- Slice cucumbers just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
Storage
Store any leftover salad separately from the dressing for up to 1 day in the refrigerator to prevent sogginess. Keep toasted breadcrumbs in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to eat, toss everything together fresh for best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini seedless?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but be sure to remove the seeds for a similar texture and avoid extra moisture.
How do I make the salad ahead without it getting soggy?
Keep the dressing, toasted breadcrumbs, and garnishes separate until just before serving and slice cucumbers shortly before mixing to maintain crispness.
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Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This refreshing Cucumber Caesar Salad combines the crispness of mini seedless cucumbers with the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, and crunchy toasted panko breadcrumbs, all tossed in a classic Caesar dressing for a deliciously light and savory dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 16 ounces mini seedless cucumbers
Cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shaved)
Meats
- 4 ounces bacon (cooked & crumbled)
Bread & Butter
- 1/2 tablespoon salted butter
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Dressings & Sauces
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (or to taste)
Instructions
- Toast Breadcrumbs: In a small skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon of salted butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast them while stirring regularly until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent burning.
- Slice Cucumbers: Thinly slice the mini seedless cucumbers into approximately 1/4 inch thick rounds. Transfer the sliced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: To the cucumbers, add 1/2 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of the crumbled cooked bacon, 2 tablespoons of the toasted breadcrumbs, and the Caesar dressing. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing and toppings.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the salad and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, and toasted breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately for best freshness and crunch.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Caesar dressing to your taste preference for creaminess and flavor.
- Using mini seedless cucumbers adds a crisp texture and avoids bitterness from seeds.
- To keep the breadcrumbs crispy, toast them just before serving.
- This salad pairs well as a side to grilled meats or crusty bread.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat Caesar dressing and turkey bacon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, crunchy salad, bacon salad, easy salad recipes, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, quick side dish
