Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cucumber Caesar Salad is a fresh and crunchy twist on the classic Caesar. With crisp cucumbers, savory bacon, and creamy dressing, it’s a quick and satisfying side dish perfect for any meal.
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 butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring regularly, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Slice the cucumbers into thin 1/4-inch slices. Transfer them to a large bowl.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan, 1/4 cup crumbled bacon, 2 tablespoons of the toasted breadcrumbs, and the Caesar dressing to the cucumbers. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Garnish the salad with the remaining Parmesan, bacon, and breadcrumbs before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add toasted walnuts or almonds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Use a low-fat Caesar dressing for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- Replace bacon with crispy pancetta or omit for a vegetarian option.
- Chill cucumbers before slicing to keep the salad refreshing and crisp.
Storage
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. Reheating is not recommended as this salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini seedless cucumbers?
Yes, regular cucumbers work fine; just peel and remove seeds if preferred to keep the salad crisp and less watery.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Use a vegan Caesar dressing, omit the bacon, and replace Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.
PrintCucumber Caesar Salad Recipe
A fresh and crunchy Cucumber Caesar Salad featuring thinly sliced mini seedless cucumbers tossed with shaved Parmesan, crispy bacon, toasted panko breadcrumbs, and classic Caesar dressing for a delicious twist on the traditional Caesar salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 16 ounces mini seedless cucumbers
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shaved)
- 4 ounces bacon (cooked & crumbled)
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (or to taste)
Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter (salted)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Toast Breadcrumbs: In a small skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon of salted butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring regularly, until they turn golden brown. Remove the skillet from heat and set the toasted breadcrumbs aside.
- Slice Cucumbers: Thinly slice the mini seedless cucumbers into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Transfer the sliced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.
- Toss Salad: Add 1/2 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of the cooked and crumbled bacon, 2 tablespoons of the toasted breadcrumbs, and the Caesar dressing to the bowl with cucumbers. Toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing and toppings.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with the remaining Parmesan cheese, bacon, and toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Notes
- Use mini seedless cucumbers for a more delicate texture and less bitterness.
- Adjust the amount of Caesar dressing to your preference for creaminess.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetarian Parmesan or cheese alternatives.
- To make breadcrumbs crispier, you can toast them longer but watch closely to prevent burning.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain cucumber crunchiness and breadcrumb texture.
Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, Caesar salad, cucumber salad, crispy bacon salad, panko breadcrumbs salad, easy salad recipe
