Description
This Cucumber Caesar Salad reimagines a classic dish with a refreshing twist, combining the crispness of cucumbers with the rich flavors of Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 large English cucumbers or 6–8 Persian cucumbers
- 3–4 cups day-old bread (sourdough or French bread)
- 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil (for croutons)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for croutons)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for croutons)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for croutons)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for dressing)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for dressing)
- 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Optional add-ins: thinly sliced grilled beef, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado
Instructions
- Wash and trim the cucumbers, then create long, thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler.
- Pat the cucumber ribbons dry with a paper towel and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the day-old bread into 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasonings as needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently add the dried cucumber ribbons.
- Pour half to two-thirds of the Caesar dressing over the cucumber ribbons and toss gently.
- Add the cooled croutons and a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tossing gently one last time.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Best served fresh.
- Can add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking and Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg