Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad is a tangy blend of crunchy bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, and tangy onion, all coated in a zesty vinaigrette dressing. It is the perfect side dish for any meal and can also be enjoyed as a refreshing snack on a hot summer day.
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Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your meal or a light, healthy option for weight loss, this salad offers the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition.
If you love Mediterranean-style recipes, then next you should try this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe or this Butter Bean Salad.
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Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. You can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cucumbers – The base of the salad starts with crisp cucumbers. Go for English cucumbers or Persian varieties for their firm texture and minimal seeds.
- Red Bell Pepper – Add a burst of sweetness and vibrant red color with crisp red bell peppers. They bring a naturally refreshing flavor that balances the salad perfectly.
- Yellow Bell Pepper – Yellow bell peppers enhance the salad both visually and tastefully with their soft, sweet, and slightly tangy profile.
- Onion – For a touch of sharpness, thinly sliced red onion or sweet onion works wonders here. It adds depth to the flavor while balancing the overall freshness.
- Fresh Parsley – This Mediterranean favorite adds a fresh herbaceous note and ties everything together beautifully.
- Olive Oil – Smooth and rich, it offers healthy fats and binds the dressing together.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – A tangy, slightly fruity twist that enhances the crisp veggies.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds creaminess and a subtle hint of spice.
Instructions
This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and parsley.
Step 2: In a small bowl or Jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator before serving, if desired.
Storage
Storage – Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best freshness. The dressing may soften the veggies over time, so store the salad without dressing if you plan to save it for later. Pack the dressing separately and add just before serving.
Can You Freeze It? – Unfortunately, bell pepper and cucumber salads don’t freeze well. The water content in cucumbers and peppers causes them to lose their crunch and become soggy after thawing.
Reheating – No reheating needed! This salad is best served cold, straight out of the fridge.
Wendy’s Tips
- Keep it Crunchy: For the freshest texture, prep cucumbers and peppers close to serving time.
- Customize it: Feel free to swap yellow bell peppers for orange or add tomatoes for a cucumber bell pepper tomato salad variation.
- Boost Protein: Add Chicken Skewers in the oven, quinoa, or chickpeas for a more nutrient-packed meal option.
- Mediterranean Touch: Sprinkle feta cheese or olives to transform it into a Mediterranean bell pepper salad.
What To Serve With Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad
- A honey-glazed salmon or Whole Lemon and Garlic Chicken for a complete meal.
- Wraps or pita pockets stuffed with hummus and falafel.
- Crusty bread or a baguette for a light lunch pairing.
FAQs
Yes! Feel free to use any bell peppers you have on hand (red, yellow, orange, green). You could even try sweet mini peppers for an added crunch.
Yes! You can prepare the veggies and dressing a day ahead. Store them separately and combine them just before serving for maximum freshness.
Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Small bowl or Mason Jar
- Serving Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl or Jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Keep it Crunchy: For the freshest texture, prep cucumbers and peppers close to serving time.
- Customize it: Feel free to swap yellow bell peppers for orange or add tomatoes for a cucumber bell pepper tomato salad variation.
- Boost Protein: Add Chicken Skewers in the oven, quinoa, or chickpeas for a more nutrient-packed meal option.
- Mediterranean Touch: Sprinkle feta cheese or olives to transform it into a Mediterranean bell pepper salad.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
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