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Cucumber Caesar Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Recipe!

This Cucumber Caesar Salad reimagines a classic dish with a refreshing twist, combining the crispness of cucumbers with the rich flavors of Caesar dressing. Perfect for warm days, it’s a light and satisfying option that will elevate your salad game!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 large English cucumbers or 68 Persian cucumbers
  • 34 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

  1. Wash and trim the cucumbers, then create long, thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler.
  2. Pat the cucumber ribbons dry with a paper towel and set aside.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Cut the day-old bread into 1/2-inch cubes.
  5. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
  7. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
  8. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
  9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasonings as needed.
  10. In a large mixing bowl, gently add the dried cucumber ribbons.
  11. Pour half to two-thirds of the Caesar dressing over the cucumber ribbons and toss gently.
  12. Add the cooled croutons and a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tossing gently one last time.
  13. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: Patting the cucumbers dry is crucial to prevent a watery salad. For added flavor, consider chilling the cucumber ribbons before assembly and dress the salad just before serving to maintain crispness.