This colorful sweet pepper salad is fresh and crunchy, making it a perfect side dish. With a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers, it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Honestly, I can munch on this salad all day! 🍽️ Tossed with a bit of olive oil and lemon, it’s so simple yet so refreshing. Perfect for picnics or just a bright dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers are essential here for their sweetness and crunch. If you’re short on these, green bell peppers work as a substitute, but they will add a more bitter taste. You can also mix in other colors, like orange, for variety!
Cucumber: This adds a refreshing crunch. English cucumbers are my favorite since they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If you don’t have cucumbers, try diced zucchini or even jicama for a similar crunch.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will give this salad a rich flavor. If you need a substitution, avocado oil or any light vegetable oil can work, but the taste will slightly differ.
Honey: I like adding honey for a touch of sweetness, but you can swap it for maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a vegan option. For a sugar-free choice, try stevia or erythritol, but adjust the amount to taste.
How Do I Ensure the Dressing is Well Combined?
Making sure your dressing is well mixed is key to a great salad! Here’s a simple method:
- Start by whisking the olive oil and apple cider vinegar together. This helps the oil emulsify with the vinegar.
- Add Dijon mustard and honey, whisking until smooth. This helps blend flavors well.
- Season with salt and pepper while whisking to incorporate them fully.
Using a small bowl makes it easier to blend the dressing thoroughly before adding it to your salad. Trust me, it makes a difference in flavor!
How to Make Sweet Pepper Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), chopped
- Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. So in total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to enjoy this colorful and flavorful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing your bell peppers and cucumber. Once they’re clean, slice the red and yellow bell peppers and the cucumber into thin slices. Place them in a large bowl and give them a gentle toss to mix.
2. Whisk Together the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended and smooth. This dressing is what will bring all the flavors together!
3. Combine and Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the sliced peppers and cucumber mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together so that all the vegetables are coated well with the dressing.
4. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you like, you can stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you want a little heat! Toss the mixture again to combine everything.
5. Let it Rest and Serve:
Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, whichever you prefer. Enjoy your sweet, refreshing salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with other bell peppers, such as green or orange. You can even add spicy peppers like jalapeños for an extra kick if you enjoy heat!
How Do I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the vegetables and the dressing separately ahead of time. Just keep the dressing in the fridge and combine everything a maximum of a few hours before serving to ensure the veggies stay crisp. The flavors will blend nicely!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just note that the cucumbers might release some moisture, so give it a good toss before enjoying it again!
Can I Substitute the Honey?
Sure! If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as alternatives. For a sugar-free option, you might opt for a sugar substitute, adjusting the amount based on your taste preference.
