Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad
A light and crunchy Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad bursting with fresh flavors. This vibrant, healthy salad combines crisp cucumbers, colorful sweet peppers, red onion, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a quick side dish, refreshing snack, or a versatile accompaniment to grilled meats and sandwiches.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Vegetables
- 2 firm cucumbers (English or Persian preferred), thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and sweet peppers thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers thinly to maintain a delicate crunch, chop the sweet peppers into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the red onion to add a subtle sharpness.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, good quality olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Combine Everything: Place the sliced cucumbers, sweet peppers, and red onion in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Finely chop your chosen fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) and sprinkle them over the salad. Toss lightly once more to distribute the herbs evenly for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and to make the salad extra refreshing.
Notes
- Choose firm vegetables to avoid soft or overripe cucumbers and peppers for the best texture.
- Slice vegetables uniformly for even flavor and bite.
- Dress the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest acidity; bottled lemon juice is not recommended.
- Add salt gradually and adjust after tossing for perfect seasoning.
- This salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; best enjoyed sooner for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Not suitable for freezing as cucumbers and peppers lose their crispness when frozen.
- Enjoy cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating to maintain fresh taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, sweet pepper salad, fresh salad, healthy side dish, easy salad recipe, gluten free, vegan, no cook