This refreshing salad is a colorful mix of crunchy cucumbers and sweet peppers. Toss in some lemon juice and olive oil, and you’ve got a dish that’s light and tasty!
You can whip this up in no time, making it a perfect side for any meal. I love how it brightens up a plate and makes you feel healthy—who knew veggies could be this fun? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers add a crispy texture. I prefer English or Persian cucumbers for their thin skin, which means no peeling necessary! If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work just fine.
Sweet Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for a vibrant salad! Red, yellow, or orange peppers are sweet and crunchy. If you want to change it up, try using mild jalapeños for a little kick.
Red Onion: This ingredient adds a sharp flavor that balances the sweetness. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain. This reduces the bite!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens flavors. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work too, but fresh is always best for taste!
How Do You Make the Perfect Salad Dressing?
The dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together! Start with simple ingredients: lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. For a touch of sweetness, add honey or sugar. Here’s how to make it:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
- Add honey or sugar if you want a hint of sweetness, then sprinkle in the salt and pepper.
- Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified. This helps the dressing adhere to the veggies!
Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning based on your preference. Enjoy making your salad even more delicious!
Fresh Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for balance)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is quick to prepare! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep, and it’s best if you let it sit for an additional 10–15 minutes to blend the flavors. So, you can have this delightful salad ready in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing the cucumbers and sweet peppers. Thinly slice the cucumbers and the sweet bell peppers. If you’re using red onion, slice it thinly as well. These slices should be bite-sized and easy to eat!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the sliced cucumbers, sweet peppers, and the optional red onion. Give them a little stir to mix them together. You want to create a colorful mix!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and honey or sugar (if you’re using it). Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep whisking until everything is well mixed and smooth.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure the dressing coats each piece evenly. This helps all those delicious flavors to blend together!
5. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to rest for about 10–15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together, making every bite even tastier!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy this fresh salad chilled or at room temperature—perfect as a side or a light meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! While sweet bell peppers are great, you can also try different varieties such as poblano or banana peppers for a touch of heat. Just adjust to your taste preference!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad dressing and chop the vegetables in advance, but it’s best to combine them just before serving. This keeps the cucumbers crunchy and fresh!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release some water, so stir well before eating!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or feta cheese for additional flavors and textures. You can also sprinkle in some herbs like dill or mint for a refreshing twist!
