This fresh cucumber and sweet pepper salad is a colorful mix of crunch and sweetness! With crisp cucumbers and juicy bell peppers, it’s perfect for any season.
Seriously, this salad is so easy to make that even I can whip it up in minutes! Just chop, mix, and enjoy a healthy snack or side dish without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are crunchy and hydrating. You can use any cucumber variety, but English cucumbers are seedless and less bitter. If unavailable, pickling cucumbers work too!
Bell Peppers: I love using red and yellow peppers for sweetness and color, but you can swap for green peppers if you prefer a more bitter flavor or if that’s what you have on hand.
Red Onion: This adds a bit of zing, but if you’re not a fan of onion, try scallions or leave it out altogether. For a milder taste, soak sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a nice richness. You can substitute with avocado oil or any neutral oil if needed.
How Do I Make the Dressing Stick Without Being Watery?
The dressing is key for the flavor in your salad. To keep it from becoming watery, make sure to slice your vegetables just right. Try to avoid heavy hand mixing that could release excess water from the cucumbers.
- Use room temperature olive oil so it blends well with other ingredients.
- Whisk the lemon juice or vinegar with the olive oil properly to create an emulsion. This helps the oil coat the veggies effectively.
- Chill the salad to let flavors meld, but don’t let it sit for too long before serving. The longer it sits, the more moisture you’ll have in the bottom of the bowl.
Fresh Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 sweet bell peppers (red and yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15 minutes of chill time in the fridge for the flavors to blend. So, you’re looking at roughly 25 minutes in total—a quick and easy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing the cucumbers and bell peppers thoroughly. Then, thinly slice the cucumbers and bell peppers. If you decide to use the red onion, slice it thinly as well. Make sure to cut everything in a similar fashion for a beautiful presentation!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, red onion (if using), and chopped parsley. Gently toss the veggies together so they are mixed well.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until very well mixed. This dressing will brighten up your salad!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat all the veggies evenly with the delicious dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and keeps the salad nice and cool. Once ready, serve it cold as a refreshing side dish or a light, healthy snack.
Enjoy your Fresh Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add cherry tomatoes, radishes, or even avocado for an extra creamy touch. Just keep the flavor balance in mind and try to use veggies that complement the freshness of cucumbers and sweet peppers.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the vegetables may become a bit softer due to the dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! Just prepare everything and dress it right before serving to keep the veggies crisp. If making ahead, store the salad components separately and mix just before serving.
Can I Substitute the Olive Oil?
Sure! If you don’t have olive oil, you can use another type of oil like avocado or canola oil. Each type of oil will bring a slightly different flavor, so choose one you like!
