Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

A refreshing combination of crisp cucumbers and bell peppers, this salad looks beautiful and guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite.

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A bowl of fresh salad with cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and herbs, garnished with parsley.

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.

A bowl of fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers. A bottle of oil and whole red and yellow peppers are in the background.

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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.

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.

Chopped cucumbers, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, and red onion in a glass bowl. Whole peppers and a cucumber beside it. Salt, pepper, oil, and vinaigrette nearby.

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and parsley.

A glass jar with dressing ingredients sits on a counter. Nearby are salt and pepper shakers, a yellow bell pepper, and small bowls.

Step 2: In a small bowl or Jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Dressing is being poured from a jar onto a salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.

Step 3: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.

A glass bowl with a cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper salad topped with herbs. Nearby are a cucumber, bell peppers, a jar of pepper, and a bowl of chopped herbs.

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.

A bowl of cucumber salad with red onion, bell pepper, and herbs. Olive oil and whole peppers are in the background. A silver spoon is on the table.

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.

A bowl of salad with sliced cucumbers, red onions, red and yellow bell peppers, garnished with parsley.

FAQs

Can I Use Different Peppers?

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.

Can I Make it Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the veggies and dressing a day ahead. Store them separately and combine them just before serving for maximum freshness.