Name: Greek Cucumber Salad with Parmesan, Bacon, and Caesar Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
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); 1/2 tablespoon salted butter; 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Introduction

Greek Cucumber Salad offers a refreshing twist with crisp mini cucumbers, savory bacon, and creamy Caesar dressing. This easy-to-make salad combines textures and flavors that delight the palate in every bite.

A white bowl filled with a fresh cucumber salad showing many sliced green cucumbers coated lightly with a creamy white dressing as the base layer. On top of the cucumbers, there are thin, large pieces of pale yellow cheese scattered evenly. The salad is garnished with small brown, crumbly bits sprinkled throughout, adding texture. A silver fork is partially inserted into the salad, lifting a bite-sized piece of cucumber topped with cheese and crumbs. The setting includes a white marbled surface underneath the bowl. 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 butter (salted)
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the mini seedless cucumbers into bite-sized pieces or halves, depending on size.
Step 2: In a small skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, crumbled bacon, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Pour the Caesar dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs on top for added crunch just before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the Caesar dressing with a Greek yogurt-based dressing or vinaigrette.
Add chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten the flavors.
Use regular cucumbers if mini seedless ones aren’t available; just slice and remove seeds if desired.
Omit bacon for a vegetarian option or replace with toasted nuts for extra texture.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain crispness, keep the toasted breadcrumbs separate and add them just before serving. Reheat is not necessary as this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A bowl of cucumber salad showing thick slices of bright green cucumber layered with creamy white dressing, topped with thin light yellow cheese shavings and small brown crispy bits scattered over the top. A silver fork is lifting some of the salad, with the cucumber slices showing a juicy texture and the dressing coating them evenly. The bowl is white and placed on a white marbled surface with a hint of a cloth napkin with green stripes in the background. 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?

Yes, you can prepare the cucumber, bacon, and cheese mixture ahead, but it’s best to add the dressing and toasted breadcrumbs just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

What can I use as a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese work well as alternatives if you want a similar salty, sharp flavor.

Greek Cucumber Salad with Parmesan, Bacon, and Caesar Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 58 reviews

This Greek Cucumber Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic with crunchy mini seedless cucumbers, savory bacon, shaved Parmesan, and a creamy Caesar dressing. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Greek

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)

Topping

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

Instructions

Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and dry the mini seedless cucumbers. Slice them into bite-sized pieces or rounds depending on preference to ensure easy eating and good salad texture.
Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, drain onto paper towels and crumble into small pieces for even distribution in the salad.
Toast Panko Breadcrumbs: In the same skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon of salted butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, crumbled bacon, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the mixture, tossing gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Add Crispy Topping: Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs over the dressed salad just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates and enjoy immediately for the best texture and freshness.

Notes

Mini seedless cucumbers provide a crisp, refreshing base but regular cucumbers can be used as an alternative.
Adjust the amount of Caesar dressing based on your preference for a lighter or creamier salad.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding toasted nuts for crunch.
Shaved Parmesan adds a rich flavor and works better than grated for texture against the cucumbers.
Serve immediately after adding panko breadcrumbs to retain their crispiness.

Keywords: Greek cucumber salad, cucumber salad with bacon, Caesar dressing salad, toasted panko salad topping, easy summer salad