Description
This Cucumber Pepper Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side. Combining crisp cucumber, colorful bell peppers, and tangy red onion with a zesty homemade dressing, this salad bursts with flavor and texture. Enhanced by fresh herbs and a hint of honey, it’s an easy, no-cook recipe ideal for warm days or whenever you need a quick, refreshing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion. Place all sliced vegetables into a large mixing bowl to prepare for tossing.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and lemon zest until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the sliced vegetables in the large bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
- Let flavors meld: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the vegetables absorb the flavors of the dressing, enhancing the overall taste.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley or cilantro based on your preference for a slightly different herbaceous flavor.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a bright, citrusy note to the dressing.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste and texture.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a light vegetarian meal.
