Description
A vibrant and refreshing Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad combining crisp cucumbers, sweet multi-colored bell peppers, and fresh herbs, tossed in a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or healthy snack, this versatile salad is easy to customize and packed with vitamins and fiber for a nutritious boost.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 firm, crisp cucumbers (preferably Persian or English)
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), cored and seeded
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash cucumbers and bell peppers thoroughly. Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons according to preference. Core and seed the bell peppers, then slice into thin strips or bite-sized chunks. Thinly slice the red onion.
- Chop Fresh Herbs: Choose parsley or cilantro and chop finely to bring fresh herbal aroma to the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The ratio is roughly 2 parts oil to 1 part lemon juice; adjust to taste.
- Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, add cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and chopped herbs. Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until evenly coated and glossy.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for maximum freshness.
Notes
- Use Persian cucumbers for thinner skin and fewer seeds to reduce wateriness.
- Salt sliced cucumbers and let sit for 10 minutes; drain to remove excess moisture.
- Pick firm, brightly colored bell peppers for optimal crunch and sweetness.
- Taste dressing before adding; more lemon juice adds zing, more oil adds richness.
- Serve the salad fresh or chilled from the fridge to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg