This Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is a vibrant, crunchy dish that’s perfect for busy days when you need something fresh, healthy, and quick! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful, low-carb, and gluten-free salad that’s a great standalone meal or a perfect side for dinner. With the refreshing crispness of cucumbers, the sweetness of mini bell peppers, and the zesty kick from chili crisp sauce, this salad is a delightful treat that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is the ultimate time-saver without sacrificing flavor.
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Healthy & Refreshing: Low in calories and high in fiber, this salad is a great addition to any meal, perfect for weight loss and a nutritious snack.
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Customizable: Adjust the spices to suit your taste! You can make it milder or spicier depending on your preference.
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Versatile: Perfect as a lunch, side dish, or snack. You can also pair it with grilled meats, quinoa, or couscous for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
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Mini Cucumbers: These add a mild, crisp texture and refreshing crunch to the salad.
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Mini Sweet Peppers: Colorful and sweet, these peppers bring both flavor and beautiful vibrancy to your salad.
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Everything Bagel Seasoning: A savory spice blend that gives the salad a rich, nutty flavor with sesame and poppy seeds, garlic, and onion.
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Chili Crisp Sauce: A zesty kick to the salad, offering a nice balance of heat and crunch from the fried garlic and chili.
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Ginger Dressing: Sweet, tangy, and aromatic, this dressing brings everything together for a well-balanced dish.
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing the mini cucumbers and sweet peppers under cold water to remove any dirt. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and cut the mini sweet peppers into rings or strips. Aim for uniform sizes for the best presentation!
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables
Place the sliced cucumbers and mini sweet peppers into a large mixing bowl. Toss them gently to ensure all the colorful veggies are well-mixed.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the veggies. Then, drizzle in the chili crisp sauce and ginger dressing to add flavor. Mix well to coat everything evenly with the seasoning and sauce.
Step 4: Stir Gently
Gently stir the salad to combine the ingredients, being careful not to bruise the vegetables. You want to preserve that lovely crunch!
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Take a bite and check if the flavors are to your liking! If you want more heat, add an extra drizzle of chili crisp sauce. Feel free to tweak the seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
You can serve this salad immediately for a refreshing crunch. If you prefer, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop further. This salad is perfect on its own or paired with grilled meats, couscous, or quinoa.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
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Total Time: 10-40 minutes
Tips for Success
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Fresh Veggies: Use fresh cucumbers and mini sweet peppers for the best flavor and texture.
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Chill for Extra Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
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Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the chili crisp sauce and everything bagel seasoning.
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Experiment with Dressings: Try adding a different type of dressing or seasoning to give the salad a unique twist!
Equipment Needed
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Cutting Board: For slicing the cucumbers and sweet peppers.
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Sharp Knife: To ensure clean, even cuts of your vegetables.
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Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
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Measuring Spoons: To add seasonings and dressings in the right amounts.
Variations
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Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint for an aromatic touch.
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Cheesy Delight: Crumble feta or goat cheese on top for a creamy addition.
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Nuts & Seeds: Add toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch.
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Spicy Kick: For an extra heat boost, add jalapeños or sriracha sauce.
Serving Suggestions
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Grilled Chicken or Fish: Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats.
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Quinoa or Couscous: Pair it with a grain for a light lunch or dinner.
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Chilled Beverage: A chilled white wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully with this fresh salad.
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Clear Serving Bowl: To showcase the colorful ingredients, serve this salad in a clear bowl for a beautiful presentation.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
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Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
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Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
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Serving After Refrigeration: If storing in the fridge, give the salad a quick stir before serving again.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
What if I can’t find mini cucumbers?
You can use regular cucumbers instead. Just peel the skin if it’s tough, and slice them into similar-sized pieces to match the mini sweet peppers.
Is this salad suitable for a weight-loss diet?
Yes! This salad is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a weight-loss diet.
Can I customize the seasonings?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of everything bagel seasoning or swap in other spices like garlic powder, lemon juice, or Italian seasoning for different flavors.
How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
This salad is already vegan! Just use a vegetarian-friendly ginger dressing, and you’re all set. Add more veggies or plant-based proteins for a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is a refreshing, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days or as a colorful side dish to any meal. Quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, it’s an easy addition to your recipe repertoire. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—whether it’s a quick lunch, a snack, or a side to complement your dinner. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Print
Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
- Total Time: 10-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is the perfect quick and refreshing dish for busy days! Made with mini cucumbers, sweet peppers, everything bagel seasoning, chili crisp sauce, and a splash of ginger dressing, this light and vibrant salad comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s a healthy, low-calorie, and customizable recipe that’s perfect for lunch, a side dish, or meal prep. Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
3 mini cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
6 mini sweet peppers, sliced into rings or strips
1 tsp Everything Bagel Seasoning
2 tbsp Chili Crisp Sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
2 tbsp Ginger Dressing (adjust to your taste)
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash the mini cucumbers and sweet peppers under cold water to remove dirt.
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and cut the sweet peppers into rings or strips. Try to keep the slices uniform for a more attractive presentation.
Combine the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers and sweet peppers together, ensuring all the vibrant colors are mixed well.
Add the Seasonings:
Sprinkle the Everything Bagel Seasoning over the veggies, drizzle with chili crisp sauce, and add the ginger dressing.
Stir Gently:
Stir the salad gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the seasonings. Be careful not to bruise the veggies—this will help keep the salad crunchy and fresh.
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the salad and adjust the chili crisp sauce and ginger dressing to suit your flavor preference. Add more spice if you like a little extra kick!
Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor. If you prefer, you can let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It can be served as a side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing snack.
Notes
Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations:
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint will elevate the flavor and add an aromatic twist.
Cheese: Crumble feta or goat cheese over the salad for a creamy addition.
Nuts & Seeds: Add toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
Spicy Kick: If you like it hot, sprinkle in some jalapeños or drizzle with sriracha for a fiery bite.
Expert Tips:
Fresh Vegetables: For the best flavor, always use fresh cucumbers and mini sweet peppers.
Chill Time: If possible, let the salad chill for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop.
Custom Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to swap the Everything Bagel Seasoning for other seasonings, such as Italian seasoning or garlic powder, depending on your taste.
Squeeze of Lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrusy brightness.
Storage & Meal Prep:
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Meal Prep: Prepare the veggies and seasonings in advance. Keep the components separate until ready to serve to maintain the crunch.
Refrigeration: Make sure to give the salad a quick stir before serving again if it’s been stored for a while.
FAQs:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. For the best results, keep it in the fridge for no more than 2-3 days to preserve the crispness of the vegetables.
What if I can’t find mini cucumbers?
You can easily swap regular cucumbers for mini ones. Just peel the skin if needed and slice them into similar-sized pieces to match the mini sweet peppers.
Can I customize the seasonings?
Absolutely! Adjust the seasonings to your liking—add more chili crisp for spice or drizzle with more ginger dressing for extra sweetness. You can also experiment with garlic powder or a dash of lemon pepper for a fresh twist.
Is this salad suitable for a weight loss diet?
Yes! This salad is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great option for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight. It’s refreshing, filling, and healthy!
How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
This salad is already vegan as long as you use a plant-based ginger dressing. You can also add more veggies or a plant-based protein to make it heartier.
Serving Suggestions:
Grilled Meat Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal.
As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or any light summer meal.
Refreshing Snack: Perfect for a midday snack, especially on warm days when you need something light and hydrating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
