Cucumber 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
Scale
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
