There’s something timeless about Caesar salad — crisp greens, creamy dressing, salty Parmesan, crunchy croutons. But what if we gave this beloved classic a fresh, hydrating twist?

Enter Cucumber Caesar Salad — a lighter, brighter version that swaps traditional romaine for cool, crunchy cucumber slices while keeping that bold, garlicky Caesar flavor we all crave.

This recipe is perfect for:

• Hot summer days
• Light lunches
• BBQ side dishes
• Meal prep bowls
• Low-carb dinners

It’s crisp, creamy, tangy, and unbelievably refreshing.

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Why This Version Works

Traditional Caesar salad is rich and bold. This variation keeps:

• The creamy anchovy-garlic dressing
• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Crunchy topping

But adds:

• Hydrating cucumbers
• Extra brightness
• A lighter texture
• Fewer carbs

The result? A salad that feels indulgent yet refreshing.

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What Makes It So Refreshing?

Cucumbers contain high water content, giving this salad:

• Crisp bite
• Natural cooling effect
• Light texture
• Clean flavor

Pair that with a bold Caesar dressing and you get contrast magic.

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Ingredients

• 3 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced or ribboned
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup croutons (optional for crunch)
• Fresh cracked black pepper

For the Caesar Dressing:

• 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp anchovy paste
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash and thinly slice cucumbers into rounds or ribbons. Pat dry gently with paper towels.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolk, garlic, Dijon mustard, and anchovy paste until smooth.
3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until dressing thickens and emulsifies.
4. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, toss cucumbers with dressing until evenly coated.
6. Top with extra Parmesan, cracked pepper, and croutons.
7. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

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Make It Even Better

Add Protein

• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp
• Salmon
• Crispy chickpeas

Make It Vegetarian

• Skip anchovy paste
• Add capers for briny flavor

Make It Low-Carb

• Omit croutons
• Add toasted nuts instead

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Texture Tips

• Use English cucumbers (less watery, fewer seeds)
• Salt cucumbers lightly and drain for 10 minutes for extra crunch
• Add dressing right before serving

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Storage Tips

Best served fresh.
If storing:

• Keep dressing separate
• Store cucumbers in airtight container
• Combine just before serving

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Why You’ll Keep Making It

This cucumber Caesar salad:

• Takes 15 minutes
• Uses simple ingredients
• Feels fancy
• Is perfect for summer

It’s everything you love about Caesar — just lighter and brighter.

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