Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad

Featured in Vibrant Salad Creations.

Enjoy a burst of color and freshness with this easy cucumber and sweet pepper salad. Thin slices of cucumber and a medley of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are tossed with red onion, fresh dill, and a light, tangy dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. It’s seasoned simply with salt and black pepper, then chilled so every bite is crisp and satisfying. Serve it cold as a side or a light main, and feel free to prepare ahead for added convenience. This dish delivers both flavor and visual appeal with minimal effort.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 22 Jun 2025 13:53:54 GMT
A bowl of fresh vegetables including cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Pin it
A bowl of fresh vegetables including cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. | gracefulflavors.com

This Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad is my go-to when I need something vibrant and effortless for lunch or a quick side at dinner. With crisp cucumbers and a rainbow of sweet peppers, this dish delivers crunch and brightness in every bite. Its tangy dressing brings the flavors together, creating a refreshing salad you can serve at a picnic or as a colorful highlight at your family’s dinner table.

I started making this salad when my boys were little and picky about veggies but these crisp rounds and bright colors won them over every time Now it is our summer tradition on hot days

Ingredients

  • Cucumbers: for a cool crunch and extra hydration Look for cucumbers that are firm and have a bright green skin
  • Red bell pepper: gives sweetness and a pop of color Choose peppers with shiny skin and no soft spots
  • Yellow bell pepper: adds a mild sweet flavor and sunny hue Freshness is key for best taste
  • Orange bell pepper: brings a mellow sweetness and extra visual appeal Pick ones that feel heavy for their size
  • Red onion: for bite and a hint of sharpness Slice thin for a mild flavor
  • Fresh dill: brightens everything with its herbal notes Always go for bright green fronds and chop just before using for maximum aroma
  • Olive oil: this is the rich base for the dressing Extra virgin oil provides best taste
  • Apple cider vinegar: adds tang and balances the sweetness A raw unfiltered version offers the most flavor
  • Lemon juice: brings a fresh zing Use fresh lemon for bright flavor
  • Honey: a touch of natural sweetness helps balance the acidity Use real honey for the cleanest taste
  • Salt and pepper: to draw out all the flavors Adjust to your taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:
Slice cucumbers into thin even rounds and cut bell peppers and red onion into thin strips This step is important for even texture and melding flavors so take your time for consistent slices
Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl whisk together olive oil apple cider vinegar lemon juice and honey until everything is blended and slightly thickened The whisking emulsifies the dressing so it coats every bite
Combine the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl add all the sliced vegetables and pour the dressing over the top Toss gently with tongs or clean hands making sure every piece is lightly coated
Add Fresh Herbs and Season:
Sprinkle in fresh dill then season with salt and pepper Toss again Taste to make sure the seasoning is just right
Chill and Serve:
Put the salad in the refrigerator for about fifteen minutes This helps the flavors meld and brings a refreshing crispness Serve cold as a light meal or colorful side
A bowl of vegetables including cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Pin it
A bowl of vegetables including cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. | gracefulflavors.com

Dill is my favorite ingredient to mix in because its aroma always reminds me of our family picnics by the lake My kids especially love helping me sprinkle it over their portions Each time I serve this at a get together someone asks me to write down the recipe

Storage Tips

This salad keeps well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days The flavors develop even more as it sits but I recommend stirring before serving to mix in any dressing that settled at the bottom If you want to prep ahead slice the vegetables and store them separately then toss with dressing and dill right before serving for the freshest result

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have fresh dill you can try parsley or fresh basil for a different herbal note Red onions can swap with sweet white onions If cucumbers are not available zucchini makes an easy stand in The honey can be replaced with a touch of maple syrup or agave if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad chilled on its own as a light lunch or alongside grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of mixed greens for a more filling salad Add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for crunch

A bowl of vegetables including cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Pin it
A bowl of vegetables including cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Colorful salads like this are common in Mediterranean and Eastern European kitchens where fresh produce shines This salad was inspired by visits to local farmers markets and borrows the tradition of using lots of herbs to lift fresh vegetables My grandmother loved serving similar salads with a homemade touch of vinegar and honey

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this salad so crisp and refreshing?

Fresh cucumbers and an assortment of thinly sliced sweet peppers bring crunch, while a light dressing ensures every bite stays vibrant.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Letting the salad chill for a few hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes serving even easier.

→ Are there substitutions for fresh dill?

If dill isn't available, parsley, basil, or chives make flavorful alternatives without overpowering the vegetables.

→ How can I add more texture to this salad?

For extra crunch, sprinkle in chopped nuts or seeds just before serving. Sunflower, pumpkin seeds, or almonds work well.

→ Is this salad suitable for different diets?

Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt for vegan diets by omitting or replacing honey.

→ What pairs well with this dish?

This salad complements grilled meats, sandwiches, or can shine on its own as a light lunch option.

Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad

Fresh cucumbers and sweet peppers tossed with dill and a tangy dressing for quick, colorful refreshment.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Fresh Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Vegetables

01 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

→ Herbs and Seasonings

06 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
07 Salt, to taste
08 Black pepper, to taste

→ Dressing

09 3 tablespoons olive oil
10 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
11 1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, add thinly sliced cucumbers, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and red onion.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and honey until smooth and fully emulsified.

Step 03

Pour the vinaigrette over the sliced vegetables and toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salad and mix until the herbs are distributed throughout.

Step 05

Season with salt and black pepper according to preference. Toss again to ensure even seasoning.

Step 06

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a light meal or side dish.

Notes

  1. Enhance texture by adding chopped nuts or seeds before serving.
  2. Salad can be prepared several hours in advance for greater convenience.
  3. Alternative fresh herbs such as parsley or chives may be substituted for dill.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Knife
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains honey; not suitable for infants under 12 months.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 2 g