If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to whip up, this Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a celebration of crisp cucumbers mingling with the cheerful crunch of sweet bell peppers, all tossed in a bright, zesty dressing that makes every bite sing. Whether you’re after a delightful side dish or a light, refreshing snack, this salad hits the spot with colors and flavors that instantly lift your mood and palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color to your bowl. From the cool crunch of cucumbers to the sweet pop of bell peppers, every component shines in this simple yet delicious combination.
- 2 cups cucumbers, sliced: The star of the dish, cucumbers add a refreshing crunch that’s cool and soothing.
- 1 cup sweet bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, or orange): Their natural sweetness and vibrant hues create beautiful contrast and a subtle sweetness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: A hint of sharpness that brightens up the salad; soaking it helps mellow the bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of herbal freshness that lifts the salad’s flavor profile.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Offers a zesty tang that balances the natural sweetness of the peppers.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and a subtle fruitiness, bringing all the ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and unify the flavors.
How to Make Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Wash Your Veggies
Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly under cool running water. This simple step ensures your salad stays fresh and clean, setting a great foundation for bright, crisp flavors.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers and Chop the Sweet Peppers
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons for easy tossing and a delicate crunch. Chop your sweet bell peppers into bite-sized pieces to showcase their vibrant colors and keep every bite balanced and delightful.
Step 3: Thinly Slice the Red Onion
Carefully slice the red onion paper-thin. If you find raw onion a bit overpowering, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness without losing that wonderful texture and flavor kick.
Step 4: Combine the Vegetables and Herbs
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, sliced onions, and freshly chopped parsley. This colorful medley is the heart of your salad and sets the stage for the dressing to do its magic.
Step 5: Dress and Season
Drizzle the mixture with fresh lemon juice and quality extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. The lemon juice adds brightness, while olive oil rounds out the acidity with a smooth, fruity finish.
Step 6: Toss and Let it Rest
Toss everything gently but thoroughly so each vegetable is coated in that gorgeous dressing. Letting it rest for about 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld perfectly, making every mouthful a fresh, flavorful delight.
How to Serve Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a few fresh parsley leaves or even some toasted pine nuts on top. A light dusting of feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese can also add a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the crisp veggies.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a side for grilled chicken, fish, or even a summer barbecue. It also pairs wonderfully with hearty grains like quinoa or couscous, lending a refreshing balance to richer dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl to make your salad feel special. Serve it in hollowed-out bell peppers for a pop of color, or layer it over a bed of mixed greens for added texture. For gatherings, individual parfait glasses or small mason jars make charming, portable servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing mixed in to let the flavors develop, but note that the cucumber might soften slightly over time—still delicious, but best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Because of the high water content in cucumbers and peppers, freezing is not recommended for this salad; it would lose its crisp texture and become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other kinds of peppers in the Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet bell peppers are ideal for their mild sweetness and crunch, you can experiment with mini sweet peppers or even a touch of mild chili if you want a little heat.
Is it okay to add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes! Feel free to toss in tomatoes, radishes, or even some shredded carrots for additional texture and flavor. Just keep the core of cucumber and sweet peppers for that classic base.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Adding protein like chickpeas, feta cheese, or grilled chicken strips turns this fresh side into a satisfying light meal without losing its refreshing qualities.
Can I substitute lemon juice with another acid?
Sure! Fresh lime juice or a mild vinegar like apple cider or white wine vinegar can add a lovely tang, but lemon juice really brightens the flavors in the classic way.
What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for this salad?
Thin rounds or half-moons work best as they allow for easy mixing and offer a crisp bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves fresh, colorful, and fuss-free dishes. It’s a perfect way to celebrate simple ingredients transformed into something vibrant and inviting. Give it a try soon—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to come back to again and again!
Print
Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad that combines crisp cucumbers, colorful sweet bell peppers, and fresh parsley, tossed in a simple lemon juice and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad comes together quickly with fresh ingredients and requires no cooking.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup sweet bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or residues.
- Prepare cucumbers and peppers: Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons according to your preference. Chop sweet bell peppers into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Prepare onions: Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped bell peppers, sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Add dressing: Drizzle the mixture evenly with extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss and rest: Gently toss all ingredients until everything is well coated with the dressing. Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Soaking red onions in cold water helps reduce their sharpness if desired.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Customize with herbs like mint or basil for variation.
- For added protein, top with feta cheese or chickpeas.
