Crunchy Cucumber Pepper Salad

Introduction

Crunchy Cucumber Pepper Salad is a light, refreshing salad perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side to grilled meats. Crisp cucumbers and colorful bell peppers are tossed with a tangy, zesty dressing, making it a simple yet flavorful dish.

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⏱️ Prep Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

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🧰 Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk or fork

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📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced or diced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced or diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced or diced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

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📌 Ingredient Notes

• Cucumbers: English cucumbers work well for minimal seeds; regular cucumbers can be peeled if preferred.
• Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for a vibrant salad.
• Dressing: Olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness balance the crisp vegetables.

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables
   • Slice or dice cucumbers and bell peppers. Thinly slice red onion if using.
   • Place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make Dressing
   • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and sugar or honey if using.
3. Toss Salad
   • Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until well coated.
4. Garnish & Serve
   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes for extra crispness.

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🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg

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💡 Tips

• Slice vegetables uniformly for consistent crunch and presentation.
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
• Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.

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🔄 Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
• Creamy Dressing: Replace vinegar with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Herb Mix: Use fresh dill, basil, or mint for different flavor profiles.

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If you want, I can also make a make-ahead version that stays crunchy for hours or a quick 5-minute lunchbox-friendly version 🥒🌶️✨.