Ultimate Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe
The Secret to the Crispest Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad You’ll Ever Make
There’s something undeniably refreshing about a Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad that makes it perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and the delightful crunch of fresh veggies, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but a burst of flavor in every bite. Imagine the sweet crunch of mini bell peppers mingling with the cool, crispness of Persian cucumbers, all tied together by a zesty sesame ginger dressing. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
– Quick and easy to prepare, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish.
– Bursting with fresh flavors that can brighten any meal.
– Versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a light main course.
– Healthy and low-calorie without compromising on taste.
– Customizable with your favorite spices or additional veggies.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into making this delicious salad, gather these handy tools:
– Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining all your ingredients easily.
– Whisk: Perfect for blending your dressing ingredients seamlessly.
– Cutting board: Essential for prepping your fresh vegetables safely and efficiently.
– Sharp knife: A must-have for slicing through those crunchy cucumbers and sweet peppers.
Preparation Tips
To ensure your Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is at its best, use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Chill your salad before serving for an extra refreshing experience, and feel free to adjust the level of chili oil depending on how much heat you prefer in your dressing. Lastly, don’t forget to toss the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp!
Ingredients for this Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:
– ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
– ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
– ½ tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon soya sauce
– ½ tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1½ tablespoons honey
For the Salad:
– 7-8 mini sweet bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into rings
– 4 Persian cucumbers, sliced
– ¼ cup sesame ginger dressing
– 1-2 tablespoons chili oil (depending on how much heat you prefer)
– 2-3 teaspoons everything but the bagel seasoning
Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Savour our crisp Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad. A refreshing blend of fresh flavours, perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with color and crunch, making it an instant hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together your sesame ginger dressing in a small bowl. Combine the extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soya sauce, grated ginger, and honey. This mixture creates a beautifully balanced dressing with rich flavors that will elevate your salad.
Step 2: Slice the Vegetables
While your dressing is coming together, it’s time to slice the vegetables. Grab those mini sweet bell peppers and slice them into rings, ensuring you have a mix of colors for visual appeal. Then, take your Persian cucumbers and slice them too; these cucumbers are known for their crispness and mild flavor, making them a perfect addition.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing or serving bowl, add the sliced mini sweet bell peppers and Persian cucumbers. Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the top. The combination of these fresh ingredients with the dressing will create an enticing aroma that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Add Heat and Seasoning
Now comes the fun part! Depending on your spice preference, drizzle in 1-2 tablespoons of chili oil. This will give your salad a delightful kick. Then sprinkle in 2-3 teaspoons of everything but the bagel seasoning for an extra layer of flavor that ties everything together.
Step 5: Toss to Combine
With all your ingredients in one bowl, toss everything together gently but thoroughly. You want each piece of cucumber and pepper to be coated in that glorious sesame ginger dressing while maintaining their crisp texture.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
After tossing, take a moment to taste your salad. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili oil or bagel seasoning based on your personal preference. Maybe you like it spicier or prefer more savory notes—this is where you can make it truly yours.
Step 7: Serve or Chill
Finally, you can choose to serve your salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully for an even tastier experience!
Notes
This Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is incredibly versatile! Feel free to add some grilled chicken or chickpeas if you’re looking for a protein boost. You can also swap out vegetables—try adding shredded carrots or radishes for an extra crunch! If you’re looking to elevate the flavor further, consider sprinkling some fresh herbs like cilantro or mint before serving.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Not whisking the dressing thoroughly can leave clumps of ingredients.
– Cutting vegetables too thick may result in uneven texture.
– Forgetting to season with salt can dull the overall flavor.
– Using chilly ingredients without bringing them closer to room temperature can affect taste.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If you would like to keep it longer, consider separating the dressing from the veggies before storing; this helps maintain their crispness. Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended as it alters texture significantly.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 227
– Protein: 2 grams
– Fat: 18 grams
– Carbs: 15 grams
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad up to a day ahead. However, it’s best if you wait until just before serving to add the dressing so that everything remains crunchy.
What kind of bell peppers should I use?
You can use any mini sweet bell peppers available at your grocery store! The mixed colors not only enhance visual appeal but also provide varying levels of sweetness.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that all ingredients used are free from animal products when purchasing items like soya sauce.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited about this Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad as I am! It’s such a simple yet satisfying dish that brings brightness and freshness to any meal. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Start by whisking together your sesame ginger dressing in a small bowl. Combine the extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soya sauce, grated ginger, and honey.
- While your dressing is coming together, slice the mini sweet bell peppers into rings and slice the Persian cucumbers.
- In a mixing or serving bowl, add the sliced mini sweet bell peppers and Persian cucumbers. Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the top.
- Drizzle in 1-2 tablespoons of chili oil and sprinkle in 2-3 teaspoons of everything but the bagel seasoning.
- Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat each piece in the dressing while maintaining their crisp texture.
- Taste your salad and adjust the amount of chili oil or bagel seasoning based on your preference.
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
