Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad

$- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced - 1 cup sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), finely sliced - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) This salad bursts with fresh flavors. The crisp cucumber adds a nice crunch. Sweet bell peppers bring a pop of color and flavor. I love using a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers for a bright look. The red onion gives a sharp bite that balances the sweetness. Fresh parsley adds a touch of earthiness and green. Feta cheese is optional, but it adds a creamy texture. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing is simple yet tasty. Olive oil gives a rich base. Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess, brightening the flavors. Honey brings a hint of sweetness. I always use salt and pepper to enhance everything. Together, these ingredients create a dressing that ties the salad together beautifully. Washing and Slicing Vegetables First, wash the cucumbers and sweet bell peppers. Make sure you rinse them well to remove any dirt. Next, slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. This helps them stay crisp. Then, cut the sweet peppers into thin strips. Use red, yellow, and orange peppers for color and taste. Finally, slice the red onion thinly. This adds a nice bite to the salad. Mixing Salad Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, sweet peppers, and red onion. Toss them gently to mix. You want the colors and textures to blend well. Then, add the chopped parsley for freshness. If you like feta cheese, add the crumbled cheese now. It adds a creamy touch that many enjoy. Whisking the Dressing Components In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Start with the olive oil, then add the vinegar and honey. This balance of flavors makes the dressing bright. Whisk until it is well combined. You want the dressing to be smooth and creamy. Tossing Ingredients with Dressing Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together gently. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. This step is key for flavor. Finally, let the salad rest for about 10 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld together. Serve it cool for the best taste! Using fresh herbs can make this salad pop. I love adding basil or mint for a twist. These herbs add brightness and freshness. You can also mix in dill for a unique taste. Experiment until you find your favorite combo! If you want to skip the feta cheese, try avocado or nuts. Avocado gives a creamy texture, while nuts add crunch. Both options keep it tasty and satisfying. Presentation matters. Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl. This helps show off the colorful veggies. For extra flair, sprinkle more parsley on top. You can also add edible flowers for a fun touch. These small details make the dish stand out. This salad is naturally gluten-free. You can enjoy it without worry. For vegan options, simply leave out the feta cheese. The salad still tastes great without it. Add extra veggies or chickpeas for more protein. This keeps your meal filling and healthy. {{image_2}} You can make this salad heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken works great. Slice it thin and lay it on top. Another option is chickpeas. They add fiber and a nice crunch. Just rinse canned chickpeas and toss them in. You can use about one cup of either option for a filling meal. Seasonal vegetables can change the whole look and taste of your salad. In summer, try adding fresh corn or cherry tomatoes. They bring sweetness and color. In fall, consider diced apples or roasted squash. This keeps the salad fresh and fun all year round. The dressing can change the salad’s flavor. Try a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a bright taste. You could also add a dollop of yogurt for creaminess. If you want a kick, mix in some chili flakes. Explore different dressings to find your perfect match. Each adds a unique twist to this crisp salad. To keep your cucumber and sweet pepper salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavors and prevent wilting. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture. This simple trick helps keep your salad crisp and vibrant. The salad stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the vegetables may lose their crunch. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks soggy, it’s best to toss it out. You should serve this salad cold for the best taste. It brings out the fresh flavors of the cucumber and peppers. If you prefer a warm salad, try lightly sautéing it in a pan for a minute or two. Just be careful not to overcook the vegetables. Warmed or cold, enjoy this salad as a vibrant side dish! Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. It tastes better when the flavors mix. Just wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. This keeps everything crisp and fresh. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can add many other veggies to this salad. Try cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Shredded carrots add a nice crunch too. You might also like diced cucumbers for extra freshness. Feel free to mix and match your favorites! Yes, this salad is low in calories. Each serving has about 150 calories. This makes it a great choice for a light meal or side dish. The fresh veggies provide fiber and nutrients without adding too many calories. - Serving Size: 1 cup - Calories: 150 - Total Fat: 10g - Saturated Fat: 2g - Cholesterol: 5mg - Sodium: 250mg - Total Carbohydrates: 15g - Dietary Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 2g - Protein: 3g Enjoy this fresh and tasty dish while staying light on calories! This blog post covers the simple and fresh salad recipe you can make at home. We discussed the key ingredients, including cucumbers, bell peppers, and feta cheese. I walked you through preparation steps, dressing mix, and combining everything for a tasty dish. Remember, you can adjust the recipe with proteins, seasonal veggies, or vegan options. This salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy experimenting and personalizing your salad experience!$

Refresh your meals with this Crisp Cucumber & Vibrant Sweet Pepper Salad that's bursting with flavor! Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, this delicious salad features thinly sliced cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and a zesty dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, it’s sure to impress. Dive into this recipe now and discover how easy it is to create a bright and tasty salad that everyone will love. Click to explore!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced

1 cup sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), finely sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by washing the cucumbers and sweet bell peppers. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and cut the sweet peppers into thin strips.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss again to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Add the chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese (if using), and give the salad one last gentle toss.

Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes in the refrigerator before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl with a sprinkle of additional parsley on top, and consider adding a few edible flowers for an extra touch of color.