Packed with vibrant colors and fresh, lively flavors, Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is a crave-able, crunchy side that’s as effortless as it is irresistible. Every bite is a harmonious balance of zesty sesame ginger dressing, just a touch of heat, and plenty of garden-inspired crunch—making it the perfect salad to whip up for picnics, quick lunches, or easy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant and Refreshing: The crisp cucumbers and sweet peppers make for a salad that bursts with color and fresh, lively textures.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad ready in 10 minutes—perfect for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
- Flavorful Sesame Ginger Dressing: The homemade dressing brings tangy, nutty, and gingery notes that upgrade every single bite.
- Beautifully Customizable: Spice it up, tone it down, or toss in something extra—this salad plays nicely with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad shines, contributing either crunch, sweetness, a touch of heat, or that unmissable savory note from the seasoning. Gather your favorites and let their natural colors and flavors steal the show!
- Mini Sweet Bell Peppers: These colorful little peppers add juicy crunch and sweet flavor—use a mix of red, yellow, and orange for a rainbow effect.
- Persian Cucumbers: Seedless, snappy, and never bitter, Persian cucumbers give the salad its signature juicy crunch.
- Sesame Ginger Dressing: This homemade blend combines olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and honey for a nutty, tangy, and slightly sweet kick.
- Chili Oil: A drizzle adds a gentle (or bold!) heat that plays deliciously against the fresh veggies—adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Everything but the Bagel Seasoning: Sesame seeds, dried garlic, and onion bring crunch and a flavor boost that ties the whole salad together.
Variations
Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is wonderfully flexible and ready for your creative twist! Feel free to make it your own by mixing in extra veggies, swapping out the dressing, or catering to special dietary needs. Let your taste buds (or your fridge contents!) inspire you.
- Add Protein: Toss in cubes of tofu, grilled shrimp, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier main-dish salad.
- Go Extra Crunchy: Sprinkle in toasted almonds, peanuts, or even crispy wonton strips for extra texture.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute maple syrup or agave for the honey in the dressing to keep the salad fully plant-based.
- Swap the Veggies: Try adding sliced radish, baby carrots, or shredded cabbage for a fun touch of variety.
How to Make Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Step 1: Whisk the Sesame Ginger Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and honey until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This dressing is the real star—nutty, bright, and full of gingery personality. Set it aside while you prep the veggies.
Step 2: Slice the Peppers and Cucumbers
Rinse the mini sweet bell peppers, then slice them into thin, cheerful rings. Slice the Persian cucumbers the same way—no need to peel! Arrange everything in a large mixing or serving bowl so all the colors show off.
Step 3: Toss and Season the Salad
Drizzle the sesame ginger dressing over your sliced veggies, add the chili oil (a little or a lot—your choice!), and sprinkle on the everything but the bagel seasoning. Toss everything together until every piece glistens and the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Taste and Chill (if you can wait!)
Give the salad a taste and adjust the heat or seasoning as you like. Serve it right away for maximum crunch, or pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld—it gets even more addictive when chilled.
Pro Tips for Making Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
- Super-Chill Your Veggies: For the crunchiest, most refreshing salad, refrigerate your peppers and cucumbers before slicing—they’ll taste extra crisp.
- Customize Your Dressing: Add the ginger and honey a little at a time, tasting as you go—fresh ginger can pack a punch, and this lets you dial in just the right balance.
- Toss Right Before Serving: For the best texture, toss the dressing with the salad just before serving to keep the veggies from softening.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re serving a crowd, keep the chili oil on the side so everyone can control their own spice level.
How to Serve Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra everything but the bagel seasoning or some toasted sesame seeds adds lovely crunch and visual flair right before serving. Thinly sliced scallions or a handful of torn fresh cilantro can bring a garden-fresh touch, making each bite pop.
Side Dishes
Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is the ultimate companion for grilled fish, teriyaki chicken, or tofu skewers. It’s also fantastic alongside a bowl of steamed rice, tucked into rice paper rolls, or served as a fresh, zingy topping for grain bowls and burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in lettuce cups or spooned over avocado halves for a fun, build-your-own style starter. Layer it in mason jars for portable lunches, or arrange the veggies in rainbow strips on a platter for a show-stopping buffet addition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The veggies will soften a bit as they soak up the dressing but remain deliciously flavorful.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well—the high water content of the cucumbers and peppers means they’ll become watery and lose their crispness after freezing.
Reheating
No reheating required! This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature for ultimate refreshment. If making ahead, just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
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Can I make this Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the veggies and make the sesame ginger dressing up to 24 hours ahead. For best freshness, keep everything separate until just before serving, then toss together and adjust seasoning to taste.
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What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
Feel free to mix in snap peas, thinly sliced radishes, shredded carrots, or even some chopped fresh herbs. The recipe is very versatile and welcomes all your favorite crunchy additions.
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Is there a substitute for everything but the bagel seasoning?
If you don’t have this seasoning on hand, simply use a mix of toasted sesame seeds, a little dried garlic and onion, poppy seeds, and a pinch of sea salt for similar crunch and flavor.
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How can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
The heat comes from the chili oil—start with a small amount, taste, and add more if you want extra kick. Or, serve the chili oil on the side so everyone can dress up their own plate.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again—quick, colorful, and bursting with lively flavor. I hope you give it a try and let it brighten up your table and your day. Enjoy every crisp, zesty bite!
Print
Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of crisp cucumbers, colorful sweet bell peppers, and a zesty sesame ginger dressing will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Sesame Ginger Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
For the Salad:
- 7–8 mini sweet bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into rings
- 4 Persian cucumbers, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame ginger dressing
- 1–2 tablespoons chili oil
- 2–3 teaspoons everything but the bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Sesame Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Adjust chili oil and bagel seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Add all salad ingredients to a mixing or serving bowl and toss to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
