This refreshing cucumber and sweet pepper salad is as bright as a sunny day! With crisp cucumbers and colorful peppers, it’s a crunch-tastic dish that’s super easy to whip up.
Perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner, I love to add a little lemon juice for extra zing. Trust me, it’s a salad you’ll want to make again and again! 🥗💕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh, crunchy cucumbers are the base of this salad. If you prefer, you can swap them for English cucumbers or even zucchini for a twist!
Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers add vibrant color and flavor. Feel free to mix and match colors. If you’re not a fan, consider using cherry tomatoes or radishes instead.
Red Onion: This adds a nice zing, but if you find it too strong, opt for green onions or chives for a milder taste.
Lemon Juice: Fresh is best! However, if you don’t have lemons, lime juice works well too. Just keep it zesty!
Honey or Sugar: This sweetener balances the acidity. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try agave syrup or maple syrup.
How Do You Make Sure Your Salad Is Perfectly Dressed?
Getting the dressing just right can make or break your salad. Follow these tips:
- Mix the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl first. This ensures everything is well combined before hitting the veggies.
- Start with less dressing; you can always add more if needed. Aim for a light coating on the veggies.
- Letting the salad sit for about 10 minutes helps the flavors blend together. It’s like a mini marinating session!
- Always taste before serving! Adjust seasonings to suit your preference.
Fresh Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or cilantro), chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in no time—perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by washing and drying the cucumbers and sweet bell peppers. For the peppers, remove the seeds and slice them thinly. Then, thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds to add that nice crunch!
2. Slice the Onion:
If you’re using red onion, peel it and slice it thinly. The onion adds a delightful zing to the salad, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a milder taste.
3. Mix It All Together:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and red onion. This colorful mix looks so appealing already!
4. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper until the mixture is well blended. This dressing ties all the flavors together.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to ensure all the veggies are coated evenly. Make sure not to be too rough; we want to keep those delicate veggies intact!
6. Finish with Herbs:
Chop up your favorite fresh herbs and sprinkle them on top as a garnish. This adds a lovely fresh aroma and flavor to the salad.
7. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy every crunchy bite!
FAQ About Fresh Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies. Cherry tomatoes, radishes, or even shredded carrots would work wonderfully. Just keep the colors vibrant for an appealing look!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release some moisture, so it’s best to consume it fresh for the crunchiest texture.
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can make the salad a few hours in advance, but to retain crispness, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving. Consider storing the veggies and dressing separately until you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Lemon Juice?
If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, lime juice works as a great substitute! For a different flavor profile, you can also use vinegar (like apple cider or balsamic) but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad.
