Print

Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad

Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad

This quick and easy Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish combining crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light meal, side dish, or snack, it offers a healthy, colorful, and nutrient-packed option that’s ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 firm, thin-skinned cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups mixed sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), thinly sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Herbs and Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro, finely chopped
  • Optional: toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, crumbled feta cheese, or balsamic glaze for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and bell peppers thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers thinly, either lengthwise or into rounds, to maximize crunch. Cut the sweet peppers into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Finely slice the red onion.
  2. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a bright and balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
  3. Combine and Toss: Place the sliced cucumbers, sweet peppers, and red onions in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly, ensuring every bite has a fresh, zesty kick.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs: Finely chop your choice of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro, and sprinkle them over the salad. Toss gently one last time before transferring the salad to your serving dish.

Notes

  • Choose the freshest cucumbers and peppers to ensure the best crunch and flavor.
  • Add dressing gradually to prevent sogginess and keep the salad crisp.
  • Slice vegetables uniformly for consistent texture and presentation.
  • Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
  • Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil to enrich the salad with subtle fruity notes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, sweet pepper salad, fresh salad, easy salad, healthy salad, gluten free, vegan, quick salad