Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad is the ultimate quick and healthy dish, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The crisp cucumbers and sweet peppers are balanced perfectly with the tangy dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Fresh dill adds an aromatic touch, while the salad is both light and satisfying. It’s versatile enough to be served as a side or enjoyed as a light meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it the perfect solution for busy days or casual gatherings!

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup fresh dill, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, and red onion.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and honey until well combined.

Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and pepper mixture. Add the chopped fresh dill and toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.

Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, add some chopped nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or almonds.

Herb Substitutes: If fresh dill isn’t available, feel free to use other herbs like parsley, basil, or mint to enhance the flavor.

Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The veggies will stay crisp and fresh, but the dressing will continue to soak in.

Reheating: This salad is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of peppers in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use other types of peppers such as green bell peppers or mini sweet peppers. The more colorful, the better!

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

If you prefer, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other sweetener you like in place of honey.

4. What can I add for more protein?

You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even feta cheese to turn this salad into a more substantial meal.

5. Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even lemon juice for a tangy kick.

6. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this salad can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for a few hours. Just keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for a longer period to avoid sogginess.

7. Can I make this salad spicy?

If you like a bit of spice, try adding some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad for an extra kick.

8. Can I use frozen cucumbers?

Fresh cucumbers are ideal for this recipe, but if you don’t have access to fresh cucumbers, you can use frozen cucumbers that have been thawed and drained.

9. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Feel free to get creative by adding other fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe without fresh dill?

If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can be used, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon. You can also try other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for warm weather meals. With its crisp, refreshing ingredients and light, tangy dressing, it’s an ideal side dish or light main course. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a dish to bring to a gathering, this salad is sure to impress with its colorful appeal and delightful flavors

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