This colorful sweet pepper salad is fresh and crunchy! It combines vibrant peppers, onions, and a simple dressing to bring out all those yummy flavors.
I love how quick it is to prepare—perfect for busy days or when you’re just craving something light and tasty. Pair it with your favorite dish and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Sweet Peppers: These add vibrant color and a sweet crunch. If you can’t find them, use regular bell peppers, sliced thinly. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers will still give a sweet taste.
Cucumber: Crunchy and refreshing! Feel free to swap with zucchini for a slightly different texture. If you’re looking for fewer carbs, you could also try spiralizing it into noodles.
Carrot: This adds a bit of sweetness and crunch. If you want to skip the carrot, try using radishes for a peppery bite, or shaved Brussels sprouts for a unique twist.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is my favorite for a tangy kick, but balsamic vinegar also works if you prefer something sweeter. Just remember to adjust the quantities to taste!
How Do I Make the Best Dressing?
Crafting a tasty dressing can elevate your salad! Here’s how to make it perfectly:
- Start with a base of fat like olive oil, which gives richness.
- Add acidity with vinegar to balance flavors; you can adjust the amount based on your taste.
- Incorporate a little sweetness using honey or maple syrup to soften the vinegar’s sharpness.
- Mix in Dijon mustard for depth and a slight tang, which also helps emulsify the dressing.
- Don’t forget seasoning—salt and pepper make a difference!
After whisking everything together, taste it! Adjust by adding a bit more vinegar or honey as you prefer. A great dressing is all about balance!
Easy Sweet Pepper Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup mini sweet peppers (assorted colors), thinly sliced into rings
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need a few minutes to wash and chop your veggies and another couple of minutes to mix up the dressing. Letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to mingle. Overall, it’s a quick and easy recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing all the vegetables to ensure they’re clean and fresh. Thinly slice the mini sweet peppers into rings, slice the cucumber into rounds, chop the yellow bell pepper, and thinly slice or julienne the carrot. If you’re using red onion, chop it finely.
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced sweet peppers, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, carrot, and red onion (if you’re using it). This colorful blend will make the salad appealing and fun!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Whisk until it’s nicely blended and creamy.
4. Toss It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix in the large bowl. Toss everything together well, making sure all the veggies are coated with the dressing.
5. Let It Marinate:
Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps all those yummy flavors blend together beautifully. Give it another toss before serving.
6. Serve and Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice crunchy texture and added flavor. Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature as a delicious side dish or a light snack.
This salad is not only colorful but also bursting with flavor—perfect for any meal or occasion!
FAQ for Easy Sweet Pepper Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! While mini sweet peppers are great for their sweetness and color, you can use regular bell peppers or even spicy peppers if you prefer a bit of heat. Just adjust the quantities to keep the flavor balanced!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup works wonderfully as a vegan alternative. You can also use agave syrup or skip the sweetener altogether if you prefer a more savory salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover sweet pepper salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The veggies might get a bit softer over time, but the flavors will still be delicious. Just give it a stir before serving!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this salad by adding other veggies like cherry tomatoes, radishes, or even leafy greens like spinach or arugula. You can also toss in some protein such as chickpeas, grilled chicken, or feta cheese for a more substantial dish!
