Chef Emma Collins - Fresh & Healthy Cuisine Specialist
👨‍🍳 Salad & Fresh Food Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Institute Graduate ⏰ 15+ Years Experience 🍽️ Fresh Cuisine Expert

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe came about during a hot summer when I wanted the classic Caesar flavors but with something more refreshing. Adding cucumber transformed the traditional salad into a lighter, crunchier version that's become a warm-weather favorite."

Emma specializes in fresh, vibrant dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients. She's passionate about reinventing classics with healthful twists while maintaining the flavors people love.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Fresh cucumber Caesar salad with crisp cucumber ribbons, romaine lettuce, golden croutons, and shaved Parmesan on a white ceramic plate

The Perfect Cucumber Preparation

Choosing the right cucumbers is essential for this salad. English cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and thinner skins. You can slice them into rounds, half-moons, or use a spiralizer to create elegant ribbons that hold the dressing beautifully.

Removing excess moisture from the cucumbers prevents the salad from becoming watery. After slicing, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This simple step ensures your Caesar dressing clings perfectly to each piece.

💡 Professional Tip

For extra crunch, chill your sliced cucumbers in ice water for 10 minutes before drying and adding to the salad. This makes them incredibly crisp and refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Caesar dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk before using as separation may occur.

Use pasteurized eggs if concerned about food safety, or substitute with 60ml (1/4 cup) of mayonnaise for a safe alternative that still provides creaminess.

Yes, omit the anchovies and add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of salt plus a tablespoon of capers for a briny, umami flavor that mimics the anchovies.

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal as they have thin skins, fewer seeds, and stay crisp longer. Regular cucumbers work too, but you may want to peel and deseed them.

Undressed salad components keep for 2 days refrigerated separately. Once dressed, consume within 2-3 hours for best texture. Store dressing separately for meal prep.

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon work beautifully. Add chickpeas for a vegetarian protein option. The cucumber keeps it light even with additions.

Try toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts, crispy chickpeas, or Parmesan crisps for a low-carb option. All add wonderful crunch without bread.

Add croutons just before serving, never to dressed salad that will sit. Keep them separate if preparing ahead, and always ensure they're completely cooled after baking.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Watery Salad

Problem: Salad becomes too watery after sitting

Solution: Pat cucumbers very dry, salt them lightly and let drain for 10 minutes before rinsing and drying again. Dress just before serving.

✅

Dressing Won't Emulsify

Problem: Caesar dressing separates or won't come together

Solution: Add oil very slowly in a thin stream while whisking constantly. Use room temperature egg yolks. If it breaks, start with a fresh yolk and slowly whisk in the broken dressing.

✅

Bitter Taste

Problem: Salad tastes bitter or too strong

Prevention: Remove dark green outer romaine leaves, reduce anchovies, or add a pinch of sugar to the dressing to balance flavors.

✅

Too Thick Dressing

Problem: Caesar dressing is too thick to toss properly

Recovery: Thin with a tablespoon of water, lemon juice, or olive oil at a time until desired consistency. Dressing should coat the back of a spoon.

✅

Soggy Croutons

Problem: Croutons lose their crunch quickly

Prevention: Ensure croutons are completely cooled and stored in an airtight container. Add only at serving time, never to dressed salad.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more lemon juice or a splash of vinegar

Too Salty: Add more cucumber and romaine to dilute, or squeeze fresh lemon over the salad

Bland: Increase anchovies, garlic, or Parmesan; add more Worcestershire sauce

Fresh ingredients for cucumber Caesar salad including whole cucumbers, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, lemons, and garlic on a marble countertop

Crafting the Perfect Caesar Dressing

An authentic Caesar dressing relies on the emulsion of egg yolks and olive oil, creating that signature creamy texture. The key is adding the oil slowly while whisking constantly, allowing the emulsion to build gradually without breaking.

Anchovies are traditional and provide essential umami depth, but they should enhance rather than overpower. Mincing them finely helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the dressing, creating complexity without fishiness.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled. The bright, fresh acidity is essential to balancing the rich, creamy elements of the dressing.
  • Quality Parmesan: Use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor. Freshly grate it yourself rather than buying pre-grated, which often contains anti-caking agents.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Choose a mild, fruity extra virgin olive oil. Strong, peppery oils can overwhelm the delicate balance of Caesar flavors.
Hands tossing fresh cucumber Caesar salad in a large wooden bowl with creamy dressing coating the crisp vegetables

Assembly and Serving Tips

The order of assembly matters for optimal texture and flavor distribution. Start by tossing the greens and cucumbers with most of the dressing, ensuring even coating. Add croutons and cheese last to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Serve immediately after dressing for the best experience. The contrast between crisp cucumbers, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing is most pronounced when freshly assembled. If preparing for a gathering, keep components separate until serving time.

The Perfect Toss

Use your hands or large salad servers to gently lift and turn the salad from the bottom, ensuring every piece gets coated without bruising the delicate ingredients.

Cucumber Caesar Salad

Prep 15 min
Cook 10 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 4 anchovy fillets, minced
    Essential for authentic Caesar flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic is key
  • 2 large egg yolks
    Creates creamy emulsion
  • 30ml fresh lemon juice
    Brightens and balances richness
  • 15ml Dijon mustard
    Helps emulsify and adds tang
  • 10ml Worcestershire sauce
    Adds depth and umami
  • 180ml extra virgin olive oil
    Use mild, fruity oil
  • 30g grated Parmesan
    For the dressing base

For the Caesar Dressing

  • 4 large cucumbers, sliced
    English cucumbers work best
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
    Crisp and fresh
  • 100g Parmesan cheese, shaved
    For topping and garnish
  • 150g homemade croutons
    Adds essential crunch
  • Black pepper
    Freshly cracked for garnish
  • Lemon wedges
    For serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cucumbers

    Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or use a spiralizer for ribbon-style cuts. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place in a large salad bowl with chopped romaine.

  2. Make Caesar Dressing

    In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, minced anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified. Stir in grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

  3. Prepare Croutons

    Cut bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool completely.

  4. Assemble Salad

    Add dressing to the cucumber and lettuce mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly. Add half the Parmesan shavings and half the croutons, toss again lightly.

  5. Serve

    Transfer to serving plates or bowl. Top with remaining Parmesan shavings and croutons. Finish with fresh cracked black pepper and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare all components separately up to 1 day ahead. Store cucumbers, lettuce, croutons, and dressing in separate containers. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This salad works wonderfully as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled meats or fish. Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.

Variations

Try adding cherry tomatoes, avocado, or grilled corn for extra color and flavor. For a keto version, increase the Parmesan crisps and omit the croutons.