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Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad

Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad
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A fresh and vibrant Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad that combines crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and red onion with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Quick to prepare, colorful, healthy, and highly customizable, this salad makes a perfect light meal or side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 medium firm cucumbers, washed and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mixed sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, roughly chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, cut into chunks
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped or a dash of chili flakes
  • Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, as a dressing substitute
  • Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for protein boost

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. Chop the sweet bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the fresh herbs. Ensuring uniform sizes will help capture all flavors in every bite.
  2. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to balance the tartness and richness.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss together the cucumber, sweet peppers, red onion, and herbs with the dressing. Make sure everything is evenly coated to ensure consistent flavor across every forkful.
  4. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soak up the zesty dressing for optimal freshness.

Notes

  • Use seedless cucumbers to reduce excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Cut vegetables evenly for balanced texture and appealing presentation.
  • Dress the salad just before serving if you plan to store it longer; this helps keep the veggies crisp.
  • Add fresh herbs at the last minute to preserve their aroma and freshness.
  • Try swapping lemon juice for lime or orange juice for subtle flavor variations.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; toss again before serving.
  • Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers and peppers will lose their crispness.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, sweet pepper salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten free salad, quick salad, fresh vegetable salad

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/cucumber-sweet-pepper-salad/