Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad
A refreshing salad featuring crunchy cucumbers and sweet bell peppers, topped with a zesty ginger dressing, perfect as a side dish or a light snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 cups diced cucumber (about 1 large English cucumber, or 5-6 Persian cucumbers)
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper (about 1 bell pepper)
- 1 cup diced orange bell pepper (about 1 bell pepper)
- 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper (about 1 bell pepper)
- ½ cup diced red onion (about half a medium onion)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon peel fresh ginger (roughly a 1-inch knob)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning (more or less to taste)
- Chili crisp (if desired)
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Prepare the ginger dressing by adding the peeled fresh ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and Dijon mustard to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- While the blender is running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until well mixed. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat. Top with everything but the bagel seasoning and a spoonful of chili crisp, if desired, then toss again.
Serving
- Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s great on its own but also pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as a light lunch option.
Storing
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days.
- It's best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy.
Notes
For extra crunch, you can add shredded carrots or sliced radishes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; if you like it spicier, add more chili crisp or some sliced jalapeños. You can swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as cherry tomatoes, avocados, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.