Print

Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

This Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad is a refreshing, colorful, and crunchy dish perfect for quick lunches or vibrant side dishes. Combining crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and fresh herbs with a light lemon and olive oil dressing, it provides a healthy and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 fresh cucumbers, firm and crisp, sliced thinly
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced thinly
  • 1/2 red onion, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint), roughly chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Extras

  • Crumbled feta cheese, for garnish
  • Toasted nuts (pine nuts or almonds), for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice the cucumbers and bell peppers evenly into thin slices to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
  2. Chop the onion and herbs: Finely mince the red onion to avoid overpowering flavor bursts, and roughly chop your choice of fresh herbs to add an aromatic pop to the salad.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the mixture is emulsified, creating a light dressing that highlights the freshness of the veggies.
  4. Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and herbs with the dressing to coat everything evenly and ensure consistent flavor in every forkful.
  5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld while maintaining the crisp texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm cucumbers to keep the salad crisp and enjoyable.
  • Refrigerate the salad to enhance flavors and maintain freshness.
  • Slice vegetables thinly and uniformly for even seasoning and texture.
  • Dress the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.
  • Experiment with different fresh herbs like mint or basil for new flavor profiles.
  • Pair the salad with grilled chicken, fish, or light pasta for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, bell pepper salad, fresh salad, healthy side dish, quick salad, vegan salad, gluten free salad, crunchy salad