Introduction

This Cucumber Caesar Salad is a fresh and crunchy twist on a classic favorite. Combining crisp mini cucumbers with savory bacon, Parmesan, and toasted breadcrumbs creates a flavorful and satisfying salad perfect for any meal.

A white bowl filled with a cucumber salad made of many thick green cucumber slices covered in a creamy white dressing. Scattered over the cucumber are thin light yellow cheese shavings and small reddish-brown crumbs, adding texture and color contrast. A silver fork with a piece of cucumber and cheese pierced on it rests inside the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with two whole green cucumbers and a small white bowl with more reddish crumbs visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 salted 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 mini cucumbers into thin 1/4 inch slices and 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 Caesar dressing to the cucumbers. Toss everything gently until evenly coated.
Step 4: Garnish the salad with the remaining Parmesan, bacon, and toasted breadcrumbs before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, use a low-fat Caesar dressing or substitute Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and garlic.
Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
If you prefer, swap the mini cucumbers with English cucumbers sliced thinly for a similar crisp bite.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To keep the breadcrumbs crisp, store them separately and add just before serving. The salad is best enjoyed fresh as cucumbers may release water over time. Reheating is not necessary.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy cucumber salad that has three main layers: thick, pale green cucumber slices coated in white creamy dressing forming the base layer; scattered thin, off-white cheese shavings with a smooth texture on top of the cucumbers; and sprinkled reddish-brown bacon bits mixed with small crunchy brown bread crumbs and black pepper scattered evenly over the whole salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of more breadcrumbs in the background and a gold-handled white-handled fork beside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead and keep them separate, but toss the salad just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.

What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work as a substitute, but panko offers the best light, crispy texture when toasted.

Cucumber Caesar Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

A refreshing and crunchy Cucumber Caesar Salad featuring thinly sliced mini seedless cucumbers, shaved Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, and toasted panko breadcrumbs, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing for a delightful twist on the classic salad.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

16 ounces mini seedless cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
4 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (adjust to taste)

Breadcrumb Topping

1/2 tablespoon salted butter
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Toast the 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 and crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the mini seedless cucumbers into thin 1/4 inch slices. Transfer the slices to a large mixing bowl.
Mix the salad: Add 1/2 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of the crumbled cooked bacon, 2 tablespoons of the toasted breadcrumbs, and about 1/2 cup of Caesar dressing to the cucumber slices. Toss everything together gently until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing and the ingredients are well combined.
Garnish and serve: Transfer the tossed cucumber salad to a serving dish. Garnish the salad with the remaining Parmesan cheese, bacon, and toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best freshness.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of Caesar dressing according to your taste preference for creaminess.
For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and consider adding roasted chickpeas or nuts for crunch.
Use freshly shaved Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
If you prefer less salty salad, opt for unsalted butter when toasting breadcrumbs and reduce bacon quantity.
Serve the salad immediately after garnishing to keep cucumbers crisp and breadcrumbs crunchy.

Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, summer salad, easy side dish, fresh cucumber salad, bacon salad, creamy Caesar dressing, toasted breadcrumbs