Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is not only refreshing but also full of flavor. The crispy cucumbers and sweet peppers provide a crunchy texture, while the ginger-style dressing adds a delightful tang. The everything-bagel seasoning gives the salad a savory touch, and the chili oil brings just the right amount of heat. It’s quick, customizable, and a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Plus, it’s vegan and no-cook, making it an easy and healthy option for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4–6 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
- Mini sweet peppers or bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced
- ¼ cup ginger-style salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ½–1 tsp everything-bagel seasoning
- 1–2 tsp chili crisp or chili oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Slice the cucumbers and peppers into even pieces for consistent texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and peppers.
- Drizzle the ginger salad dressing over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle everything-bagel seasoning and drizzle chili oil on top.
- Toss gently until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, dressing, or chili oil as desired.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill briefly to meld flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 side servings or 2 light lunch portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Customize the salad by adding edamame, chickpeas, or even feta for a more filling option.
- Non-Spicy Version: Omit the chili oil for a non-spicy, milder version of this salad.
- Extra Veggies: Add cherry tomatoes, avocado, or red onion for even more flavor and texture.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint for an extra burst of flavor.
- Homemade Dressing: Make your own ginger dressing using olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, and garlic for a fresh and customizable option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Best served fresh, but this salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Store dressing separately if making ahead to maintain the crunch of the vegetables.
- Reheating: This is a no-cook salad and is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes! You can substitute mini sweet peppers with bell peppers or any other mild peppers for a similar texture and sweetness.
Can I use a different type of dressing?
Absolutely! If you don’t have ginger-style dressing, you can use a simple vinaigrette or sesame dressing. Adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain the balance of flavors.
Can I make this salad in advance?
While it’s best served fresh for maximum crunch, you can make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
How can I make the salad more filling?
To make this salad a more substantial meal, you can add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, edamame, or even quinoa. Avocado or feta cheese also work well as add-ins.
Is this salad spicy?
The chili oil or chili crisp adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance or omit it entirely for a non-spicy version.
Conclusion
This Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a light lunch, or a fresh addition to your meal, this salad is a versatile and healthy choice. With its refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 side servings or 2 light lunch portions
Description
This Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for quick lunches or as a side to any meal. With thinly sliced cucumbers and mini sweet peppers tossed in a zingy ginger dressing, everything-bagel seasoning, and a hint of chili oil, this salad is packed with fresh flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
4–6 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
Mini sweet peppers or bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced
¼ cup ginger-style salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
½–1 tsp everything-bagel seasoning
1–2 tsp chili crisp or chili oil
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers and peppers into even pieces for consistent texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and peppers.
- Drizzle the ginger salad dressing over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle everything-bagel seasoning and drizzle chili oil on top.
- Toss gently until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, dressing, or chili oil as desired.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill briefly to meld flavors.
Notes
For extra protein, add edamame, chickpeas, or feta cheese.
For a non-spicy version, omit the chili oil.
Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, avocado, or red onion for more flavor.
Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint for extra freshness.
Make your own ginger dressing using olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, and garlic for a customizable version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
