Cucumber Caesar Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs and Bacon Recipe
Introduction
This Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a refreshing twist on the classic Caesar by combining crisp cucumbers with savory bacon, crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, and creamy Parmesan. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a tasty side.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces mini seedless cucumbers
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shaved)
- 4 ounces bacon (cooked & crumbled)
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter (salted)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (or to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring regularly, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Slice the 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 gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 4: Garnish the salad with the remaining Parmesan, bacon, and toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use homemade Caesar dressing for a fresher taste or swap bacon for pancetta for a different flavor profile.
- Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and add toasted nuts for crunch.
Storage
Store the salad components separately if possible to keep the cucumbers crisp—keep cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss with dressing and toppings just before serving. Leftovers with dressing can be refrigerated for up to 1 day but may become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini seedless cucumbers?
Yes, regular cucumbers can be used; just peel them if desired and slice thinly. Seedless cucumbers keep the salad less watery.
Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, finely crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs can be toasted similarly for crunch.
PrintCucumber Caesar Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs and Bacon Recipe
This refreshing Cucumber Caesar Salad offers a unique twist on the classic Caesar by incorporating crisp mini seedless cucumbers, savory bacon, toasted panko breadcrumbs, and shaved Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or an easy appetizer, this salad balances crunch and creaminess with a delightful burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 16 ounces mini seedless cucumbers
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 4 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (or to taste)
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1/2 Tablespoon salted butter
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Toast Breadcrumbs: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of salted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs and stir regularly while toasting until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cucumbers: Slice the mini seedless cucumbers into thin 1/4-inch rounds. Place the slices into a large mixing bowl to prepare for tossing.
- Toss Salad: To the cucumbers, add 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon, 2 tablespoons of the toasted breadcrumbs, and about 1/2 cup Caesar dressing, or adjust to taste. Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing and toppings.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate and garnish with additional shaved Parmesan, remaining crumbled bacon, and the rest of the toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately for the best crispness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and substitute with crispy roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts.
- Use low-fat or light Caesar dressing to reduce calories if desired.
- To make the breadcrumbs gluten free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain cucumber crunch and breadcrumb texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to one day but breadcrumbs may soften.
Keywords: Cucumber Caesar Salad, cucumber salad, Caesar dressing, bacon salad, quick salad recipe, toasted breadcrumbs
