This refreshing salad is a burst of color and crunch! Made with crisp cucumbers and sweet bell peppers, it’s perfect for warm days or as a light side dish.
I love how quick it is to whip up—just chop, mix, and enjoy! Toss in some herbs if you’re feeling fancy, but really, it tastes great just as it is. 🍃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use English cucumbers for their thinner skin and fewer seeds, perfect for salads. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work too. Just peel them if the skin is too tough.
Sweet Bell Peppers: While red, yellow, and orange peppers add sweetness, you can use green bell peppers if you want a more peppery flavor. For a twist, try substituting with roasted red peppers.
Red Onion: This adds a nice bite, but if you’re sensitive to its strong flavor, consider using green onions or shallots instead. They are milder and can brighten the salad.
Fresh Dill: Fresh herbs really enhance the taste. If you don’t have dill, parsley or cilantro makes a great alternative. You can even skip herbs if you prefer a simpler salad.
How Can I Enhance the Flavor of the Dressing?
The dressing is key to tying all the ingredients together. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Whisk the lemon juice and olive oil thoroughly; this helps emulsify the dressing for smoother texture.
- Add the honey when whisking. It balances the acidity of lemon and enhances the sweetness from the peppers.
- Adjust the seasoning! Taste the dressing and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to fit your palate.
Chilling the salad lets the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite more delicious. Enjoy your salad preparation!
Refreshing Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Produce:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 large sweet bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ons:
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cucumber and sweet pepper salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Just chop your veggies, make the dressing, and you’re ready to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before enjoying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Vegetables:
Begin by washing and thinly slicing the cucumbers and sweet bell pepper. Place these colorful veggies in a large mixing bowl. Their crunchiness will create a delightful base for your salad!
2. Add the Onion:
Next, thinly slice the red onion and toss it into the bowl with the cucumbers and peppers. The red onion adds a nice zing to the salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Mix it until it’s well combined. This dressing will brighten up the flavors!
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the sliced vegetables in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together so all the veggies are coated in that delicious dressing.
5. Add Fresh Herbs:
If you love the taste of dill, sprinkle the chopped fresh dill on top and give it another gentle toss. This is optional but adds a lovely herbal note!
6. Chill Out:
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give it one last gentle toss and serve it cold. It’s a perfect side dish for meals or a light snack on its own!
Enjoy your crisp, refreshing cucumber and sweet pepper salad! 🥗
FAQ for Refreshing Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! While red, yellow, and orange sweet bell peppers offer a nice sweetness, feel free to use green peppers for a sharper flavor or even roasted red peppers for a smoky twist.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The veggies may become a bit softer over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of serving it. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and add the dressing just before serving to retain the crispness of the veggies.
What Can I Substitute for Dill?
If you don’t have dill, you can easily substitute it with fresh parsley or chopped cilantro. They both provide a refreshing flavor that complements the salad nicely!
