This colorful salad is a refreshing mix of crunchy cucumbers and sweet peppers. Toss it with a light dressing for a burst of flavor!
This salad is super easy to whip up, and it always brightens up my meals. I like to add a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for a little extra yum! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use regular or English cucumbers for a crisp texture. If you’re short on cucumbers, zucchini can work as a substitute, but you’ll need to slice it this way too. I personally prefer cucumbers for their refreshing crunch!
Sweet Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange peppers add sweetness and color. If they’re not available, try using green peppers for a sharper taste, or even roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
Red Onion: Optional but adds a nice bite! You can replace it with green onions or chives for a milder flavor, or skip it if you’re sensitive to strong flavors. I think the crunchiness is a great addition!
Herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro are ideal, but if you don’t have these, try dried herbs like oregano or basil, or leave them out altogether. Fresh herbs can really brighten up the dish!
How Do You Make the Perfect Dressing for Your Salad?
The dressing ties everything together and can be adjusted to your taste. Here’s how to make an easy one:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil with lemon juice or vinegar. This gives a bright flavor.
- Add honey or sugar if you want a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess.
- Whisk together with salt and pepper until well combined.
Be sure to taste it! You can always add more seasoning or sweetness as you prefer. A good dressing really makes this salad pop!
Fresh Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 15 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes to make this delightful and colorful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing the cucumbers and sweet peppers well under cool water. Slice the cucumbers thinly—you can peel them if you like, but it’s not necessary. For the sweet peppers, cut them in half, remove the seeds, and slice them into thin strips. If you’re using the red onion, peel it and slice it thinly as well.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, sweet peppers, and red onion. If you’re using herbs, sprinkle the chopped parsley or cilantro over the top. This will add a fresh burst of flavor!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), honey (if you want a touch of sweetness), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything until it’s well combined. This simple dressing will enhance the vegetables beautifully.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the veggies in the large bowl. Using a gentle hand, toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated. Make sure each piece gets some of that delicious dressing!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This chilling time lets all those flavors blend together nicely. Once it’s chilled, give it a quick stir again before serving.
6. Enjoy Your Salad:
Your fresh cucumber and sweet pepper salad is now ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish with your favorite meals. It’s delightful on warm days or any time you need a tasty vegetable boost!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like cherry tomatoes, radishes, or carrots for added crunch and flavor. Just be sure to keep the slices similar in thickness for even marination.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh as the vegetables may lose their crunch when stored for too long.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use any other oil such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but it will still taste great!
Is This Salad Vegan-Friendly?
Yes, this salad is completely vegan! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect addition to any vegan meal or as a stand-alone dish.
