Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad

This Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad is the perfect fresh and crunchy side dish for any meal. Bursting with color and flavor, it’s made with crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and a light, tangy dressing. Quick to whip up and naturally low in calories, this salad is great for barbecues, picnics, or a refreshing lunch on a hot day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh and Crunchy – The perfect mix of textures and vibrant colors.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Naturally Low-Calorie – Light and hydrating, with no heavy dressings.
Customizable – Add your favorite herbs or extras like feta or avocado.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays crisp and flavorful for days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sweet mini bell peppers, sliced into thin rings
• ¼ red onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey or sugar-free sweetener
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional for extra tang)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Sliced cherry tomatoes
• Avocado cubes
• Toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds

Tools You’ll Need

• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or small jar for dressing
• Serving spoon or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Thinly slice cucumbers and sweet peppers.
Slice red onion as thin as possible for a milder flavor.
Chop herbs and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Toss the Salad
Place cucumbers, sweet peppers, and onions in a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Extras
Sprinkle in chopped herbs and any optional add-ins you like. Toss again lightly to combine.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
For best flavor, chill the salad for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold.

Tips for the Best Salad
Use English Cucumbers – They’re seedless and extra crisp.
Slice Uniformly – Thin, even slices absorb the dressing better and look more appealing.
Adjust the Sweetness – Add more or less sweetener to suit your taste.
Serve Immediately – Best when served fresh but also holds up well for later.

Serving Suggestions
With Grilled Protein – Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
As a Light Lunch – Add a boiled egg or avocado for more substance.
On a Platter – Serve with hummus, pita, and olives for a Mediterranean spread.
In a Wrap – Add to a wrap with hummus and greens for a crunchy bite.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but cucumbers may release water.
Drain Before Serving: If storing, drain excess liquid and toss again before serving.

Reheating:
Not required – this salad is meant to be served chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes! Any sweet bell peppers work—red, orange, yellow, or green.

2. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but add fresh herbs just before serving for best flavor.

3. Is it keto-friendly?
Absolutely—just use a sugar-free sweetener in the dressing.

4. Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Definitely—add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs.

Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that adds crunch, color, and flavor to any table. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable to suit your mood and menu. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a summer BBQ, or just craving something light and crisp, this salad delivers.

Give it a try and share your variations—I’d love to see how you make it your own!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 110 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 140mg

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