This refreshing cucumber and sweet pepper salad is just what you need on a warm day! It’s crisp, colorful, and super easy to throw together with fresh veggies.
Honestly, who can resist that crunch? I love adding a squeeze of lemon for a little zing! This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or can be enjoyed on its own.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Medium cucumbers are best here. English cucumbers work well too; they have fewer seeds. If you want a different flavor, try Persian cucumbers for a sweeter taste or use zucchinis as a substitute for a twist!
Sweet Peppers: Red, yellow, and orange sweet bell peppers bring color and sweetness. If they’re not available, any color bell pepper works great. You can also use mini sweet peppers for a fun presentation!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the salad. You can swap it with avocado oil or even a lighter oil, like canola or sunflower oil, if you prefer. Extra virgin olive oil has the best flavor!
Vinegar: Rice vinegar is mild and delicious. You can switch it with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang, or use lemon juice for a fresh zing. If you’re aiming for a sweeter dressing, omit the vinegar and use lemon juice instead.
How Do You Get the Salad to Have Great Flavor?
To enhance the flavors of the salad, letting it rest is key. The longer it sits, the more the veggies soak in the dressing. Here’s how you can do it:
- After tossing the cucumber and peppers with the dressing, let them marinate for about 5–10 minutes.
- If you have extra time, chill the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors further develop.
This really pulls everything together and makes each bite refreshing and tasty!
Easy Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced into rounds
- 1 red sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced into rings
- 1 yellow sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced into rings
- 1 orange sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced into rings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of sesame seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and poppy seeds)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for slight sweetness)
Time Needed:
This refreshing salad is quick to prepare! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation. Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. So, in total, it will take around 15-20 minutes from start to finish!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing and drying the cucumbers and sweet peppers thoroughly. This helps remove any dirt and ensures they stay fresh and crisp.
2. Slice the Cucumbers:
Next, slice the cucumbers into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the slices as uniform as possible for even distribution in your salad.
3. Slice the Sweet Peppers:
Now, core the sweet peppers and thinly slice them into rings or strips. You can remove the seeds and white membranes inside to keep the salad from being too bitter.
4. Mix the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and all the sweet pepper pieces. Give them a gentle toss to mix them up nicely!
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). If you like a little sweetness, add the honey or maple syrup too! Mix until well combined.
6. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and pepper mixture. Toss gently to coat all the veggies evenly, ensuring every piece gets a nice touch of flavor.
7. Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the salad and toss lightly again. This adds fun flavors and a delightful crunch!
8. Let It Rest:
Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This is where the magic happens! The flavors will meld together to create a refreshing dish.
9. Serve:
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant and healthy side dish. Enjoy the colorful blend of flavors!
This salad is not only quick and colorful but also packed with nutrition to complement any meal—perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
FAQ for Easy Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up by adding other veggies like shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, or even radishes for a different flavor and crunch. Just keep the vegetable texture in mind to ensure they blend well together!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, be aware that the cucumbers may release water, making the salad a little soggy. If you’re expecting leftovers, you can keep the dressing separate until ready to serve!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and whisk together the dressing up to a day in advance. Just combine them shortly before serving for the best flavor and texture!
What Can I Serve This Salad With?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or as a refreshing side to sandwiches. It also makes a great topping for tacos or as part of a picnic spread!
