Your New Favorite Healthy Side Dish Packed with Flavor and Crunch
Looking for a vibrant, nutritious salad that bursts with fresh flavors, is quick to prepare, and can brighten any table? This Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad is exactly what you need. Packed with crunchy cucumbers, crisp sweet bell peppers, and tangy dressing, it’s the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a light lunch, or simply want to add a refreshing side dish to your dinner spread, this salad checks all the boxes. Plus, it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish—ideal for busy schedules or last-minute meal prep.
Try This Bright and Flavorful Salad Today!
If you’re tired of heavy dishes and want something fresh, this cucumber sweet pepper salad delivers. Its crisp texture, citrusy dressing, and herbaceous dill make it the ideal complement to grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan. Give it a go—you won’t be disappointed.
Tools Needed, Serving Size & Preparation Time
Tools Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Serving Size
Serves approximately 4–6 people as a side dish.
Time Required
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15–30 minutes depending on chilling
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh Herbs
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
This medley of vegetables paired with a zesty homemade dressing creates a light salad that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing all your produce thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, slice 2 large cucumbers into thin rounds. Thinly slice the red, yellow, and orange bell peppers into strips, and cut ¼ cup of red onion into thin slivers. Place all sliced vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
The variety of colors from the bell peppers not only makes the salad visually stunning but also adds a sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with the juicy cucumber.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon honey. This dressing strikes a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and acidic notes, tying the vegetables together with a clean finish.
Once the mixture is emulsified (it should appear slightly creamy and blended), it’s ready to be poured over the salad.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the bowl of sliced vegetables. Sprinkle in the ¼ cup chopped fresh dill. Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss the ingredients until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing and herbs.
Take your time tossing to ensure every slice gets a bit of that tangy goodness.
Step 4: Season and Chill
Taste the salad and add salt and black pepper to your liking. Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to slightly marinate for enhanced depth and crispness.
Tips for Recipe Success
1. Use Fresh, Firm Produce
Crisp cucumbers and vibrant bell peppers are essential. Avoid using overripe vegetables as they can become soggy and reduce the crunch factor.
2. Thin, Even Slices Are Key
Use a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife for uniform slicing. Thin slices absorb more dressing and are easier to toss and eat.
3. Chill Before Serving
Letting the salad rest in the fridge before serving helps the flavors intensify and keeps the texture crisp.
4. Don’t Skip the Dill
Fresh dill adds a unique flavor that perfectly complements the acidity of the vinegar and lemon. If you’re not a fan of dill, try substituting with fresh parsley or mint.
5. Add Optional Protein
Want to turn this salad into a full meal? Add some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese for a protein boost.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve
- Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator.
- Pairs well with grilled meats, fish, burgers, or as a topping for grain bowls.
- Can also be served over mixed greens or quinoa for a heartier salad.
Make-Ahead Option
You can slice the vegetables and mix the dressing up to 1 day in advance. Keep them stored separately in the fridge and combine just before serving.
How to Store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Best enjoyed within 2–3 days. After that, the cucumbers may begin to release too much water and lose their crunch.
- Not suitable for freezing, as the fresh vegetables will lose their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers instead of regular cucumbers?
Yes, both English and Persian cucumbers are excellent choices. They have fewer seeds and thinner skins, so they don’t need to be peeled.
2. Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Absolutely. The base recipe is already vegan. Just ensure your honey is plant-based (or substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar).
3. Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes! Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shaved parmesan would be a great addition for creaminess and saltiness.
4. What other herbs can I use instead of dill?
If dill isn’t your favorite, try substituting with chopped parsley, mint, or basil. Each herb brings its own unique flavor.
5. Can I use bottled dressing instead of making my own?
While homemade dressing is fresher and healthier, you can use a store-bought vinaigrette or Italian dressing in a pinch. However, we highly recommend the homemade version for best flavor.
Conclusion:
The Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad is everything a good salad should be: easy, colorful, fresh, and bursting with flavor. It’s a fuss-free side that complements any meal and also stands beautifully on its own as a light, healthy lunch.
Not only is this salad vibrant and refreshing, but it’s also customizable. Want it spicier? Add chili flakes. Craving creaminess? Toss in a dollop of Greek yogurt or some avocado slices. The possibilities are endless, and each variation still highlights the natural crispness of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the peppers.
So go ahead—chop, toss, chill, and serve. This salad may just become your new go-to favorite. Whether you’re prepping a picnic basket, planning a BBQ spread, or meal prepping for the week, this cucumber sweet pepper salad has you covered.
