A vibrant combination of thinly sliced cucumbers and rainbow bell peppers, tossed in a tangy Dijon‑honey vinaigrette, gives this salad its refreshing crunch and zesty flavor. The fresh dill adds a herby lift that perfectly complements the crisp vegetables.
This salad brings color and simplicity to any table—ideal as a light lunch, summer picnic side, or healthy companion to grilled dishes. It’s naturally gluten‑free and vegetarian, and can be customized with herbs or a splash of feta for extra flair.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
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2 bell peppers (one red, one yellow), thinly sliced
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
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3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 teaspoon honey
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
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Add sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and fresh dill to the dressing.
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Gently toss until vegetables are fully coated.
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Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Give it one final toss before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Kcal: ~90 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
A Fresh Take on Summer Salads
The Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad is a celebration of crisp vegetables, vibrant colors, and simple, refreshing flavors. It’s the kind of dish that not only looks beautiful on the table but also brings a burst of nutrition and a welcome crunch to any meal. Light, hydrating, and packed with fresh ingredients, this salad is a go-to for warm-weather dining and a smart option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Cucumbers and bell peppers might seem like humble ingredients, but they offer a surprising amount of nutrition. Cucumbers are over 95% water, making them excellent for hydration while being low in calories. They’re also a good source of vitamin K and contain antioxidants such as flavonoids and tannins that help fight inflammation.
Bell peppers, on the other hand, are vitamin-rich—especially red, yellow, and orange varieties. They provide ample amounts of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. They’re also high in vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), which contributes to eye health. The combination of these two vegetables results in a nutrient-dense salad that’s as beneficial as it is delicious.
Perfect for Every Lifestyle
One of the standout features of this dish is its versatility. It’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in calories, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you’re following a plant-based diet, looking for a keto-friendly side, or just aiming to add more vegetables to your meals, this salad fits effortlessly into your routine.
Because it’s so simple, you can also modify it according to your preferences. Want more protein? Add chickpeas or grilled tofu. Looking to enhance the creaminess? Add avocado slices or crumbled feta. Need a touch of sweetness? Toss in some sliced cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds. It’s a base recipe that welcomes creativity and adaptation.
The Beauty of Simplicity
With just a few ingredients and no cooking involved, this salad is an ideal option for those who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. It can be prepped in under 15 minutes, which makes it a great choice for quick lunches, last-minute dinner sides, or potluck contributions.
The beauty of this salad also lies in its textural contrast—the juicy crunch of cucumbers, the crisp bite of bell peppers, and the delicate tang of a homemade vinaigrette that binds it all together. The addition of dill and Dijon mustard in the dressing adds layers of freshness and zing, turning a basic salad into something truly crave-worthy.
Ideal for Meal Prep
This salad holds up surprisingly well in the fridge, making it a top pick for meal preppers and busy households. Since it doesn’t wilt quickly like lettuce-based salads, it can be made in advance and enjoyed over a couple of days. The flavors even deepen with time as the vegetables soak up the vinaigrette, making it even more flavorful the next day.
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad maintains its freshness for up to 3 days. That means you can double the batch and enjoy it as a grab-and-go option for lunches or a quick side for dinner throughout the week.
A Salad for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a picnic, or preparing a holiday spread, this cucumber bell pepper salad is a perfect addition. Its visual appeal, thanks to the colorful peppers and green cucumber, makes it a standout on any table. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or plant-based mains, and also works well alongside heartier dishes like pasta or grain bowls for a lighter contrast.
It also suits a variety of cuisines, thanks to its neutral but flavorful profile. Add some sesame oil and rice vinegar for an Asian-inspired twist, or include oregano and olives for a Mediterranean flair. The recipe is a blank canvas for global flavors.
The Magic Is in the Dressing
While the veggies provide crunch and color, it’s the dressing that brings everything together. A balanced blend of extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and honey creates a tangy-sweet profile that enhances the freshness of the cucumbers and peppers without overpowering them.
Dijon mustard adds depth and sharpness, while honey balances the acidity of the vinegar. Garlic brings a gentle heat, and the olive oil adds silkiness and richness. This classic vinaigrette can also be reused for other salads or grain bowls, and it’s a great one to keep in your home recipe repertoire.
Great for Gut Health
Thanks to its high fiber content and raw, unprocessed ingredients, this salad can also support digestion and gut health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements, stabilize blood sugar levels, and may even reduce cholesterol. The vinegar in the dressing may also have mild probiotic properties, especially when using raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
If you’re aiming to improve your gut microbiome, this salad is a smart addition to your weekly menu. It’s light on the stomach, anti-inflammatory, and filled with hydrating ingredients that assist overall wellness.
Kid-Friendly and Family Approved
If you’re trying to get kids to eat more veggies, this salad is a smart place to start. The natural sweetness of bell peppers and the mild, juicy flavor of cucumbers make it appealing even to picky eaters. You can cut the vegetables into fun shapes or small pieces to make them easier for little hands to handle.
Families can also enjoy preparing this salad together. Kids can help wash and slice the veggies, mix the dressing, and toss everything in the bowl—creating a hands-on learning moment in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly and Accessible
With only a handful of ingredients—many of which are pantry staples—this salad is also a very affordable dish. Cucumbers and bell peppers are readily available in most grocery stores, and the remaining ingredients are often already on hand in a typical kitchen. This makes it a budget-conscious choice for families, students, or anyone looking to eat fresh without overspending.
You don’t need any fancy tools or cooking techniques either, just a knife, a cutting board, a bowl, and a whisk or fork for mixing the dressing. That means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying the meal.
Conclusion
The Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad is proof that simple ingredients can deliver big results. It’s healthy, hydrating, and full of color—perfect for a quick lunch, elegant side dish, or weekly meal prep staple. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and budget-friendly, it’s one of those rare recipes that checks all the boxes.
Whether you’re aiming to eat cleaner, incorporate more vegetables into your meals, or just want something fresh and satisfying, this salad deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. With its bright flavors, beautiful presentation, and health-forward ingredients, it’s a refreshing dish you’ll return to again and again.