Refreshing Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe for Summer Crunch

Cool summer days call for a refreshing cucumber pepper salad that brings zesty excitement to your plate.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this crisp combination of textures and flavors.

Vibrant bell peppers dance alongside crisp cucumber slices, creating a light and invigorating dish.

Crunchy vegetables mingle with a tangy dressing that awakens your taste buds.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this salad a perfect side for picnics or weeknight dinners.

Fresh herbs add an unexpected brightness that elevates the entire recipe.

Pack this colorful salad in your lunchbox or serve alongside grilled meats for a delightful culinary experience that you’ll want to make again and again.

Cucumber Pepper Salad to Refresh Your Plate

• Slice, whisk, and toss ingredients in under 15 minutes, making this salad a lifesaver for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, this salad adds a zesty kick to any main course, perfect for elevating simple weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues.
• Loaded with crisp cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and a light vinaigrette, this salad provides a nutrient-rich side dish that supports a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
• Requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop and making it an ideal choice for meal prep, potlucks, and casual gatherings.

Ingredients Used in Cucumber Pepper Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp base with light, refreshing flavor, best when firm and bright green.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful and sweet, adds vibrant crunch and nutritional value.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that provides a zesty bite, thinly sliced for better texture.
• Parsley, Cilantro: Optional fresh herbs that boost aroma and provide green brightness.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps blend flavors and provides rich undertone.
• Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the salad's overall taste.
• Honey: Brings subtle sweetness and helps soften the vinegar's sharp edge.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides depth and slight spicy kick to the dressing.

• Garlic Powder: Adds mild, consistent garlic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other ingredients' natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and completes the seasoning profile.

How to Toss Cucumber Pepper Salad Just Right

Step 1: Slice And Chop Crisp Veggies

• Cucumbers
• Bell peppers
• Red onion

Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the veggie mixture for an herbal punch.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk energetically to combine all components into a harmonious blend.

Step 3: Merge Veggies And Dressing

Pour your prepared dressing over the chopped vegetables.

Toss everything together, ensuring each slice gets a delicious coating.

Allow the salad to rest for 15 minutes, letting flavors dance and mingle.

Step 4: Present And Savor

Transfer the salad to a serving dish.

Enjoy chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side that bursts with color and taste.

Prep Tips for Cucumber Pepper Salad

• Slice Veggies Uniformly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create even, thin strips for a professional-looking salad and consistent texture.
• Adjust Dressing Intensity: Customize the vinegar and honey ratio to balance tanginess and sweetness according to your taste preferences.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Letting the salad rest for 15-30 minutes allows ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex flavors.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add protein like crumbled feta cheese, grilled chicken, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Keep Salad Crisp: Drain excess liquid after chopping vegetables and add dressing just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables.

Storage Advice for Cucumber Pepper Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, keeping the crisp texture intact.
• Before storing, gently drain excess liquid to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain the salad's fresh crunch.
• Quickly stir the salad before serving to redistribute dressing and restore its vibrant appearance.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers and peppers will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed.

What Complements Cucumber Pepper Salad

• Match this crisp salad with grilled chicken or fish for a light, refreshing meal that balances the salad's tangy dressing and fresh vegetables.
• Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's bright vinegar and herb notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Serve alongside grilled lamb kebabs or falafel to create a Mediterranean-inspired spread that highlights the salad's zesty and fresh characteristics.
• Pack this salad with cold sandwiches or quiche for an outdoor gathering, offering a cool, crunchy contrast to heavier picnic dishes.

Ingredient Swaps for Cucumber Pepper Salad

• Vegan Cucumber Pepper Delight: Replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a fully plant-based dressing that maintains the sweet undertone.
• Protein-Packed Salad Boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu cubes, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a substantial main course meal.
• Keto-Friendly Cucumber Remix: Swap honey for a low-carb sweetener like stevia and increase olive oil content to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and replace parsley with fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that elevates the basic recipe.

FAQ Guide: Cucumber Pepper Salad

• Can I use different types of peppers in this salad?

Yes, feel free to swap bell peppers with jalapeños, banana peppers, or any other pepper variety you enjoy for added heat or flavor.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This cucumber pepper salad is low in calories, high in vitamins, and packed with fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious and light side dish.

• How long can I keep the salad before serving?

The salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours. After that, the vegetables might start to lose their crispness and release too much water.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately up to a few hours before serving. Combine them just before serving to maintain the vegetables’ crunchiness.

Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp summer cucumber pepper salad brings Mediterranean freshness to your table with zesty ingredients. Cool vegetables dance with tangy dressing, promising a light and refreshing side dish you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Meticulously wash and pat dry the cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion to ensure crisp, clean vegetables for the salad.
2. Expertly slice cucumbers and bell peppers into delicate, uniform julienne strips, creating an elegant visual texture for the dish.
3. Thinly chop the red onion to distribute its sharp flavor evenly throughout the salad, ensuring a balanced taste profile.
4. Finely mince fresh parsley or cilantro to add a vibrant, herbaceous note that complements the crisp vegetables.
5. In a separate mixing vessel, vigorously whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and honey to create a smooth, emulsified base for the dressing.
6. Incorporate Dijon mustard into the dressing, whisking thoroughly to blend and enhance the overall flavor complexity.
7. Season the dressing with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste and creating a harmonious flavor blend.
8. Gently cascade the prepared dressing over the sliced vegetables, using a delicate tossing motion to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
9. Allow the salad to rest for approximately 15 minutes, enabling the vegetables to absorb the dressing’s nuanced flavors and soften slightly.
10. Transfer the salad to a serving dish, presenting it chilled or at ambient temperature as a refreshing and vibrant side accompaniment.

Notes

• Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even marination and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Adjust vinegar and honey ratios to balance tanginess and sweetness according to personal preference.
• Choose fresh, crisp cucumbers and bell peppers for maximum crunch and vibrant flavor profile.
• Consider adding protein like crumbled feta, grilled chicken, or toasted nuts to transform this side dish into a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg