Crisp Garden Delight: Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

Summer demands a refreshing side that combines crisp textures with zesty bell pepper salad ingredients.

Chopped cucumbers dance delightfully with bright red and green bell peppers, creating a vibrant palette of colors and flavors.

Each slice promises a burst of freshness and crunch that will instantly awaken your taste buds.

The simple yet elegant combination brings Mediterranean-inspired charm to any meal.

Dressed with a light vinaigrette, this salad offers a perfect balance of tanginess and herbal notes.

Sliced thin and mixed with fragrant herbs, the ingredients meld into a delectable dish that screams sunshine and simplicity.

Dive into this quick recipe and let the cool, crisp flavors transport you to a summer garden.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)

Calories: 108 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

• Mini Cucumbers: Crisp and hydrating base that adds a refreshing crunch to the salad with a light, clean flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Vibrant and sweet vegetables that bring color, texture, and a subtle peppery note to the dish.

• Chili Crisp Oil: Spicy and aromatic condiment that delivers a bold, tingling heat and adds depth to the salad.
• Ginger Sesame Dressing: Zesty and nutty sauce that provides a tangy, Asian-inspired flavor profile with warm undertones.
• Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: Savory blend of seeds and spices that introduces a complex, umami-rich taste with a delightful crunch.

• Cottage Cheese: Creamy and protein-packed dairy option that transforms the salad into a more substantial and nutritious meal.

What Tools Help with Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable slicing.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safe and clean chopping.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining and tossing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate tool for portioning seasonings and dressing.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps evenly distribute dressing and seasonings.
• Storage Container: Airtight vessel for refrigerating and storing salad.

Assembling Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

Garden Fresh Crunch

• Veggie Transformation

Grab your cutting board and unleash your inner chef. Transform crisp mini cucumbers and vibrant bell peppers into delicate, paper-thin rounds that will dance together in a refreshing medley.

• Flavor Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, create a flavor party by combining your sliced veggies with zesty chili crisp oil, smooth ginger sesame dressing, and a sprinkle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Toss everything together until each morsel is generously coated with deliciousness.

• Chill and Marinate

Let your salad take a cool timeout in the refrigerator for half an hour. This magical resting period allows the flavors to mingle, get acquainted, and develop a harmonious taste profile that will make your taste buds sing.

• Serving Suggestion

When ready to enjoy, pull out your chilled salad straight from the fridge. For an extra protein boost, consider nestling this vibrant mix over creamy cottage cheese – a delightful option for those who love a little dairy.

Pro tip: This fresh creation will happily hang out in your refrigerator for up to four days, ready to rescue you from hunger at a moment’s notice.

Tips to Upgrade Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

• Add toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Replace Everything But The Bagel seasoning with furikake, za'atar, or fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for diverse flavor profiles.
• Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes to transform this side dish into a complete meal with added protein.
• Control spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chili crisp oil, or swap it with sriracha, hot sauce, or mild chili flakes based on personal preference.

Presenting Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Beautifully

• Fresh Summer Picnic Companion: Pack this vibrant salad in a mason jar for outdoor gatherings, creating a portable and colorful side dish that travels beautifully.
• Protein Power Plate: Top the salad over grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal that adds crunch and zesty flavor to your protein, transforming a simple dish into a satisfying lunch.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the cucumber and bell pepper salad alongside hummus, olives, and pita bread for a light Mediterranean-inspired spread that showcases fresh vegetables and exciting textures.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Prepare multiple batches in advance and store in sealed containers, making it an easy grab-and-go option for busy weekdays when healthy eating feels challenging.

How to Store Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

• Fridge-Fresh Storage Tips: Transfer the salad to an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid to maintain crispness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Gently stir the salad before serving after refrigeration to redistribute the dressing and revive the vegetable textures.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the salad in advance and store separately from the dressing to keep vegetables crunchy; mix just before enjoying for maximum freshness.
• Portion Perfect: Divide the salad into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick snacks throughout the week, ideal for busy schedules.

Crisp Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Mexican cucumber and bell pepper salad offers fresh flavors perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp vegetables with zesty lime dressing provide cool refreshment for hungry guests seeking light, nutritious fare.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 mini cucumbers, sliced
• 6–7 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow), sliced
• 2.5 tsps (12.5 milliliters) Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) chili crisp oil
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) Ginger Sesame Dressing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously slice mini cucumbers and bell peppers into slender, uniform julienne strips, ensuring consistent flavor and visual appeal.
2. Mixing: Combine the delicately cut vegetables in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
3. Seasoning & Dressing: Generously drizzle chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing over the vegetables, thoroughly coating each piece and infusing them with robust, aromatic flavors.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle Everything But The Bagel seasoning across the salad, introducing a complex and layered taste dimension.
5. Marination: Gently fold and toss ingredients to guarantee even seasoning distribution, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Serving: Remove from refrigerator, give a quick stir to redistribute seasonings, and optionally serve atop cottage cheese for added protein.
7. Storage: Transfer any remaining salad to an airtight container, preserving its freshness in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Notes

• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform, thin strips of cucumber and bell pepper for a professional-looking and evenly seasoned salad.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing to deeply penetrate and enhance the vegetables’ natural taste.
• Seasoning Strategy: Sprinkle Everything But The Bagel seasoning just before serving to maintain its crunch and prevent moisture from making the seeds soggy.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this light salad into a complete meal by adding cottage cheese or your favorite protein source for a nutritious and satisfying dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 108
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg