This colorful Sweet Pepper Salad is a delightful mix of fresh bell peppers, crisp veggies, and zesty dressing. It’s light, crunchy, and perfect for a sunny day!
You can enjoy it as a side dish or top it on your favorite grilled meat. I love how quick it is to toss together—perfect for when you’re in a rush but want something healthy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers bring sweetness and a vibrant color to your salad. If you can’t find these, green bell peppers work, but they’ll be less sweet. Feel free to mix in other colors like orange for variety!
Cucumber: It adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. If you want other options, consider using zucchini or radishes for a different twist. Just slice them thinly to maintain that crunch.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or any other light oil can work, though they may change the taste slightly.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick. Lemon juice is a perfect substitute. If you prefer a milder acidity, balsamic vinegar can be used, but it will give a different flavor profile.
Honey: This is optional, but it balances the acidity. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup can provide similar sweetness. For a sugar-free option, consider stevia.
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor in This Salad?
To really enhance the flavor, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing it. This allows the vegetables to soak up all the tanginess from the dressing. A gentle toss is key, as you want to coat everything without bruising the peppers.
- Combine the veggies in a large bowl before adding dressing.
- Whisk your dressing ingredients separately for a thorough mix, then pour over the veggies.
- Mix gently. The salad will taste better as it sits and the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving for that fresh, vibrant note!
How to Make Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced)
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet pepper salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. After mixing the ingredients and dressing, allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes will help the flavors blend beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Vegetables:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the cucumber. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey (if you’re using it), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the prepared dressing over the sliced vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together so that the veggies are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld and enhances the taste of your salad.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your refreshing sweet pepper salad as a side dish or a light salad on its own!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the red and yellow bell peppers with green or other colorful peppers like orange or even mini sweet peppers. Just remember that different peppers have varying levels of sweetness and flavor, so pick based on your preference!
How Can I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?
This salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains only fresh vegetables and simple ingredients. Just double-check any packaged items, like the apple cider vinegar, to ensure there are no hidden gluten additives.
Can I Prep This Salad the Night Before?
Yes, you can! However, for optimal freshness, I recommend preparing the vegetables and dressing separately. Combine them just a few hours before serving to ensure the salad stays crisp and vibrant. If you mix it all the night before, it may become soggy due to the moisture from the veggies.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you notice excess moisture, you can drain it before sealing the container. To refresh it, just give it a good toss or add a splash more dressing before serving.
