This vibrant sweet pepper salad is a burst of color and flavor! With a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers, it’s refreshing and crunchy, perfect for any meal.
I love to make this salad on warm days—it’s quick and makes me feel all kinds of happy! Toss in a squeeze of lemon, and it’s ready to brighten up your table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers bring sweetness and vibrant color to this salad. If you can’t find them, feel free to use orange peppers or any sweet peppers instead. I also like adding a mix of colored bell peppers for a fun presentation!
Cucumber: The cucumber adds crunchiness and freshness. Persian or English cucumbers are great, but any cucumber will work. If you’re avoiding cucumbers, try zucchini for a similar effect.
Red Onion: It gives a nice bite to the salad. If red onion is too strong for you, shallots provide a milder taste, or you can use green onions for a more delicate flavor.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the flavor of the dressing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, subtle oils like avocado or grapeseed oil can make a nice substitute without altering the taste too much.
Apple Cider Vinegar/Lemon Juice: Both add acidity and brightness. If you want something milder, white wine vinegar works well too. For added zing, consider using lime juice.
How Do I Make the Vegetables Extra Flavorful?
Making the vegetables really pop in this salad is all about combining flavors and allowing time for them to mingle. After mixing your veggies, let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors blend into each other.
- Slice vegetables thinly for the best texture.
- Once dressed, avoid tossing too aggressively to keep everything crisp.
- Add herbs last as they will wilt if combined too early. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add brightness!
How to Make Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional for extra color)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing sweet pepper salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes slicing your vegetables and mixing up the dressing, and then letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the flavors combine. It’s a quick and colorful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion. If you’re using a green bell pepper for extra color, toss that in too! Give everything a gentle stir to mix the veggies together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and honey (if you want a hint of sweetness). Add in some salt and pepper to taste, and keep whisking until it’s well blended.
3. Combine and Toss:
Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together so that the vegetables are nicely coated with the dressing.
4. Add Heat (If Desired):
If you like a bit of spice, you can sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Toss again to mix everything well. This step is optional, so only add if you want some warmth in your salad!
5. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together beautifully and makes for a tastier salad.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs over the top to make it look pretty and add a bit more flavor. Enjoy your salad either chilled or at room temperature—it’s fresh and delightful!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! This salad is very versatile. Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, grated carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and color. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even tossing!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey if you want to keep it strictly vegan. Both apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are great options as dressings.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad may soften a bit over time, but it’s still delicious! Give it a quick toss before serving again to refresh the flavors.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prepare this salad in advance! Just mix the vegetables and dressing separately. Combine them an hour before serving to ensure the veggies stay crisp and fresh.
