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I don’t know what kind of hold cucumbers have on me lately, but I’m obsessed. This cucumber bell pepper salad is crunchy, a little sweet, a little spicy, and totally guilt-free.
Why It’s Totally Worth the Hype
- TikTok Famous: This cucumber bell pepper salad went crazy viral, and one bite will show you why.
- Veggie Clean-Out Win: The perfect way to use up all those crisp summer veggies.
- Meal-Prep Hero: Chop your veggies at the start of the week, then just toss with dressing as you go for a fresh, healthy snack or lunch all week long!
Ingredients for Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad
- Use English or Persian cucumbers: No peeling or seeding needed! Just note that Persian cucumbers are smaller, so you’ll need a few extra.
- Skip the green bell peppers: They can add a bitter note that throws off the flavor balance.
- Sweet Mini Peppers work too: Just be sure to remove the seeds for the best texture and taste.
- Toss in some avocado: It adds a creamy contrast that pairs well with all that crunchy goodness.
- Save time with store bought dressing: I think this homemade ginger dressing is perfect, but you can swap in ⅔ cup of your favorite ginger dressing to make this salad even quicker to throw together.
How to Make Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad
I love taking a little time at the beginning of the week to chop the veggies and prep this salad. It makes the best grab and go lunch or snack all week long. Add some grilled chicken and warm pita, and you’ve got lunch or a light dinner ready in seconds.
- Combine: Add the cucumber slices, bell peppers, and red onion to a large bowl.
- Make the Ginger Dressing: Prepare the dressing by adding the ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and mustard to a blender or food processor and blending until smooth.
- Add Olive Oil: While the blender is on the lowest speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully combined. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Add the ginger sesame dressing to the vegetables and toss to coat. Top with the everything bagel seasoning and a spoonful or two of chili crisp, if desired. Toss again. You may serve it immediately or let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavor to meld before serving.
Alyssa’s Tip
Hold the Dressing (for Now): Adding the dressing too early draws moisture from the cucumbers, making the cucumber salad watery. I recommend adding it 10–15 minutes before serving for maximum flavor and crunch.
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Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad
Equipment
- 1 blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning more or less to taste
- chili crisp if desired
Ginger Dressing
- 1 tablespoon peeled 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
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine 3 cups diced cucumber, 1 cup diced red bell pepper, 1 cup diced orange bell pepper, 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper, and ½ cup diced red onion in a large bowl.
- Prepare the ginger dressing by adding 1 tablespoon peeled fresh ginger, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to a blender or food processor and blending until smooth.
- While the blender is on the lowest speed, slowly drizzle in ½ cup olive oil until combined. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the dressing to the vegetables and toss to coat. Top with the 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning and a spoonful or two of chili crisp, if desired, then toss again. You may serve it immediately or let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavor to meld before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Fresh Summer Salad Recipes
If you loved this viral cucumber pepper salad, you’re going to love these other fresh, fun summer salads! Let me know which one is your favorite!
