Crunchy Cucumber And Pepper Salad Recipe

Try Our Crunchy Cucumber and Pepper Salad Recipe Tonight

Summers call for light, refreshing salads that pack a delightful crunch, and this crispy cucumber and pepper salad recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Cool cucumbers mingle with vibrant peppers, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Each crisp bite bursts with garden-fresh goodness that dances across your palate.

The combination of smooth cucumbers and zesty peppers brings an unexpected excitement to your plate.

Chopped herbs add an aromatic layer that elevates this simple side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

Dive into this colorful, tantalizing recipe that promises to become your new summer favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 97 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Cucumber and Pepper Salad

For Fresh Vegetables:
  • Cucumber: Crisp base that adds refreshing crunch and hydration to the salad.
  • Bell Pepper: Vibrant color and sweet flavor that complements the cucumber's coolness.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chili Oil: Adds spicy warmth and depth to the salad, creating a zesty kick.
  • Bagel Seasoning: Provides a savory, everything-bagel inspired blend with complex herb and seed notes.
For Dressing Base:
  • Dressing: Binds ingredients together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and ensuring even coating of vegetables.

Tools to Prep This Crisp, Refreshing Salad

  • Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing and tossing all ingredients together.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise chopping of cucumbers and peppers.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing vegetables safely.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add chili oil and bagel seasoning.
  • Salad Tongs or Large Spoon: Essential for tossing and coating salad evenly.

Steps to Toss a Crunchy, Vibrant Side

  • Veggie Preparation Fresh and Colorful Chopping

Wash cucumbers and peppers thoroughly. Slice them into delightful bite-sized pieces, creating a vibrant mix of textures and colors that will make your salad pop with excitement.

  • Flavor Fusion Dressing Magic

Create a tantalizing blend of zesty dressing that will transform ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary culinary experience. Drizzle the liquid goodness over your chopped produce.

  • Seasoning Sensation Spicy Sprinkle

Elevate the salad with a surprising kick of chili oil and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. These magical touches will awaken your taste buds and add an unexpected twist.

  • Chill and Thrill Flavor Development

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for up to an hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance together. This short waiting period intensifies the deliciousness and creates a refreshing side dish that will impress everyone at the table.

Mix-Ins to Elevate the Flavor Combo

  • Mix in diced radishes or jicama for extra texture and a peppery bite.
  • Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes to transform this salad into a complete meal.
  • Swap chili oil for sriracha or add jalapeño slices for a more intense heat kick.
  • Prepare the salad up to 4 hours in advance, keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.

Serving This Salad at Any Temperature

  • Pair with Protein Powerhouse: Serve alongside grilled chicken, seared salmon, or tofu for a complete and balanced meal that adds crunch and freshness to your protein.
  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this salad in a portable container for outdoor lunches, potlucks, or summer gatherings where you want a light and zesty side dish.
  • Wrap It Up: Use the salad as a delicious filling for wraps or tacos, adding an extra layer of texture and bright flavors to your sandwich or taco experience.
  • Quick Appetizer Idea: Scoop the salad onto crispy crackers or toasted baguette slices for an instant and elegant appetizer that will impress your guests with minimal effort.

Keeping It Crunchy After the First Meal

  • Refrigerate Quickly: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the crisp texture intact.
  • Drain Excess Liquid: Before storing, gently pat cucumber and peppers with paper towels to remove extra moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Separate Dressing: For maximum crunch, keep dressing separate from vegetables until just before serving to maintain the salad's vibrant texture.
  • Revive Freshness: If salad seems slightly wilted after storage, sprinkle fresh bagel seasoning and give a quick toss to reinvigorate the flavors and appearance.
Print
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Crunchy Cucumber And Pepper Salad Recipe

Crunchy Cucumber And Pepper Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Summer’s classic Cucumber and Pepper Salad delivers refreshing crunch with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Simple ingredients combine into a light, zesty side dish perfect for picnics or quick meals you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 cucumbers (Persian), cut into rounds
  • 78 bell peppers (mini sweet), sliced into rings
  • 2 carrots (large), cut/peeled into ribbons or small pieces
  • 1 shallot (medium), thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) everything bagel seasoning
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) chili crunch oil
  • 0.25 cup (60 mL) miso ginger dressing (Asian, any brand)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Meticulously dice cucumber and bell peppers into uniform, small cubes to ensure consistent texture and balanced flavor distribution.
  2. Dressing Creation: Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl, creating a tangy and smooth emulsification that will enhance the vegetables’ natural freshness.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped vegetables, gently tossing to coat each piece thoroughly, ensuring complete flavor absorption and preventing ingredient bruising.
  4. Seasoning Boost: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning and drizzle chili oil across the salad, gently folding to distribute the spicy and aromatic elements evenly throughout the vegetable mixture.
  5. Serving Options: Either serve immediately for a crisp, vibrant experience with an additional garnish of bagel seasoning, or chill for one hour to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more developed taste profile.

Notes

  • Chop Precisely: Cut cucumber and bell peppers into uniform, small pieces to guarantee consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
  • Dress Carefully: Pour dressing gently and fold ingredients softly to prevent bruising vegetables and maintain their crisp structure.
  • Enhance Flavor Layers: Add chili oil and everything bagel seasoning strategically to create complex, zesty taste dimensions.
  • Optimize Serving Timing: Serve immediately for fresh crunch or refrigerate 60 minutes to allow ingredients to marry and develop deeper taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 97
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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