This colorful sweet pepper salad is perfect for warm summer days! With fresh, crunchy bell peppers and a zesty dressing, it’s refreshing and light.
Making this salad is a breeze! Just chop up your favorite peppers, toss them with some olive oil and vinegar, and you’re set. It’s a hit at barbecues—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Sweet Peppers: These are the star of the salad! They add vibrant colors and a sweet crunch. You can substitute with regular bell peppers if mini ones are hard to find. Just slice them thinly!
Cucumber: A small cucumber gives a refreshing crunch. If you have trouble finding cucumbers, zucchini works as a good substitute, giving a similar texture.
Olive Oil: This is great for flavor and helps emulsify the dressing. Feel free to swap with avocado oil or a light flavored oil if you prefer something different.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar can work well too.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners balance the tang in the dressing. If you’re vegan or looking for low-sugar options, use agave syrup or skip it altogether for a more tangy taste.
How Do You Achieve a Flavorful Dressing?
The dressing is key to pulling all the flavors together in this salad. Here’s how to make it taste great:
- Start with olive oil and vinegar. The ratio is typically 1:1, but here we add a bit more oil for creaminess.
- Whisk together until the dressing looks combined. This helps it stick to the veggies.
- Incorporate honey (or your choice of sweetener) and garlic to kick up the flavor profile.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Start with less—you can always add more later!
Letting the salad sit for a while helps the dressing soak into the veggies. The result? A delicious, well-balanced salad that everyone will love!
Easy Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 1 cup mini sweet peppers, sliced into rings (mix of red, orange, yellow)
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Simply wash, slice, and mix the ingredients. You can let it sit for 10–15 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving. Perfect for a quick summer dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Veggies:
Start by washing and drying the mini sweet peppers and cucumber. This is important to ensure your salad is fresh and clean!
2. Slice the Ingredients:
Carefully slice the mini sweet peppers into thin rings and the cucumber into thin rounds. You can use a knife or a vegetable slicer to make this easier.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), garlic powder (or minced garlic), crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed and slightly emulsified.
4. Combine the Salad:
Add the sliced sweet peppers and cucumber to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure all the veggies are coated with that yummy dressing.
5. Let It Marinate:
Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully. You can even cover it and refrigerate if you prefer it chilled.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, top with toasted sesame seeds if you choose. This will add a delightful crunch! Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature and enjoy a refreshing taste of summer!
This fresh and vibrant sweet pepper salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a healthy side dish. Its crisp, colorful presentation is sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Regular Bell Peppers Instead of Mini Sweet Peppers?
Absolutely! Regular bell peppers will work just fine. Just slice them thinly to mimic the size of mini sweet peppers and use a mix of colors for a vibrant salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan! If you’d like, you can replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup to keep it entirely plant-based.
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, or even thinly sliced red onions for extra flavor and crunch.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor may intensify, but the veggies might lose some crispness.
