Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish! This Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad is the definition of crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a vibrant medley of crunchy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and sharp red onion, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette that ties everything together. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light side for dinner, or a colorful dish for a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s a simple, no-cook solution that delivers huge flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad
This isn’t just another boring salad. It’s a flavor-packed dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. You’ll love it because it’s incredibly quick to assemble, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of textures—from the crisp cucumber to the crunchy peppers—makes every bite interesting. Plus, it’s naturally healthy, low-carb, and can easily be adapted to suit your taste.
Unlike many salads, this one holds up well, making it a great option for meal prep. The simple, tangy dressing enhances the fresh vegetable flavors without overpowering them. It’s the kind of side dish that pairs perfectly with almost anything, from grilled meats to hearty pastas like this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad.
The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Salad
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a spectacular dish.
- Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers are best for this recipe. They have thin skin, fewer seeds, and a crisp texture that holds up well without becoming watery.
- Sweet Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors like red, yellow, and orange for a visually stunning salad. They add a wonderful sweetness and crunch.
- Red Onion: A little bit of thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, savory bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet peppers.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley adds a burst of freshness. Don’t be afraid to be generous!
- For the Vinaigrette: A simple mix of olive oil, white wine vinegar, a touch of honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper is all you need.
How to Make Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Step-by-Step
Making this salad is as easy as 1-2-3. Just chop the veggies, whisk the dressing, and toss everything together.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. I like to slice the cucumbers into half-moons, dice the bell peppers, and very thinly slice the red onion. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large bowl.
- Whisk the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is well-emulsified.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly. For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together.
Expert Tips for the Crispest, Most Flavorful Salad
Want to take your Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad from good to great? Follow these simple tips for the best results every time.
- Prevent a Watery Salad: Cucumbers release a lot of water. To prevent a soggy salad, you can lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for about 20 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the salad.
- Slice Onions Thinly: To avoid an overpowering onion flavor, slice the red onion as thinly as possible. You can also soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their bite.
- Let It Marinate: While you can serve it immediately, this salad tastes even better after it has had some time to marinate. The vegetables will absorb the delicious flavors of the dressing.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs won’t have the same impact. The vibrant taste of fresh dill or parsley is essential for this recipe.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
- Add Some Protein: Toss in some chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
- Introduce Creaminess: A handful of crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a wonderful creamy texture and salty flavor.
- Bring in More Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, or corn would all be delicious additions. A similar recipe you might enjoy is our classic Greek Horiatiki Salad.
- Switch Up the Dressing: Try a lemon-based vinaigrette or a creamy yogurt and dill dressing for a different flavor profile.
What to Serve with Your Salad
This versatile salad pairs well with a wide range of main courses. It’s the perfect cooling contrast to spicy dishes and a refreshing accompaniment to grilled foods.
- Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
- Seafood: It’s an excellent partner for fish. Try it with our fantastic Lemon Dill Baked Salmon.
- Barbecue Favorites: Bring it to your next BBQ with burgers, hot dogs, and ribs.
- Pasta Dishes: It provides a light and refreshing balance to richer pasta dishes.
How to Store This Salad
You can store this Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will soften slightly over time but will still be delicious. If you plan to make it ahead, you can store the chopped vegetables and the dressing separately and combine them just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! For the best results, you can prepare the vegetables and the dressing up to 24 hours in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine them just before you plan to serve to ensure maximum crispness.
The best way to prevent a watery cucumber salad is to de-gorge the cucumbers. After slicing, toss them with a little salt and let them rest in a colander for 20-30 minutes. The salt will draw out excess water. Be sure to pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
A light vinaigrette is the best choice as it enhances the fresh flavors without overpowering them. A simple mix of olive oil, white wine vinegar, a touch of sweetness like honey, and Dijon mustard works perfectly.
This salad is very versatile. You can add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, corn, chickpeas, Kalamata olives, or even crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for salads. They have thin, edible skin, fewer seeds, and a firmer, less watery texture compared to common garden cucumbers, which helps keep your salad crisp.
Ready for More Delicious Recipes?
We hope you love this easy and refreshing Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad! It’s a simple recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. If you tried it, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more culinary inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe
Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad (The Only Recipe You'll Need)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, diced bell peppers, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables. Add the fresh dill and toss everything together until well coated. For best results, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Tip 2: For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Tip 3: This salad is great for meal prep. Store the dressing and vegetables separately and combine just before serving.
