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Crisp Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe You’ll Love (perfect Cucumber Salad)

If you're looking for a light, refreshing, and super simple salad to enjoy during the warmer months, this cucumber bell pepper salad is it.

It's packed with fresh, crunchy veggies and tossed in a tangy dressing that brings everything together beautifully. This one’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or when you just want something quick and healthy on your plate.

Why this Cucumber Salad recipe is your new summer favorite

This salad is everything you want on a hot day: crisp, colorful, and full of flavor. It’s one of those popular recipes that checks all the boxes—easy to throw together, made with fresh ingredients, and versatile enough to pair with almost anything.

Whether you need a quick side dish for dinner or want something light to munch on during the week, this pepper and cucumber salad is a winner. It’s cool, crunchy, and just the right amount of tangy. (There's a reason it's a viral cucumber salad!)

Why you'll love this recipe

It’s all about the fresh, crisp textures and that punchy dressing. You get the cool crunch from the cucumbers, a little sweetness from the bell peppers, and a bit of zing from red onion.

Then there’s the dressing—simple, but full of flavor. It ties everything together without overpowering the veggies.

This salad feels like summer in a bowl, and once you try it, you’ll totally get why we say you'll love this salad.

Picking the best cucumbers and peppers

For the cucumbers, go with English cucumber or Persian cucumbers if you can find them. They’re less seedy and stay nice and crunchy.

For the peppers, mix it up with red bell, orange bell, and yellow bell for that sweet, colorful pop.

The key is picking produce that feels firm and looks vibrant—no soft spots or wrinkly skin. The fresher your ingredients, the better your cucumber salad will be.

Prep those fresh ingredients (bell peppers and cucumbers)

Start by slicing the cucumbers into thin half-moons. This keeps everything bite-sized and makes it easier to coat with dressing later. Dice your sweet peppers into similar-sized chunks—this keeps the crunchy cucumbers and bell peppers evenly balanced in every bite.

Next, thinly slice a little red onion and chop some fresh parsley. You can swap in fresh dill if you like that classic salad flavor. Toss it all in a big bowl and take a moment to admire how pretty it looks already. 🙂

The dressing makes this bell pepper cucumber salad

This salad dressing is super simple—no blender or special ingredients required. Here’s what you’ll need:

Extra virgin olive oil

Apple cider vinegar

Dijon mustard

Garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk it all together until it’s smooth. You can also add a splash of red wine vinegar or try a drizzle of balsamic dressing if that’s more your style. Want a little twist?

Try it with a homemade sesame ginger dressing or even a store-bought ginger salad dressing for something different.

When to add the dressing

Here’s a quick tip to keep your salad nice and crunchy—add the dressing right before you’re ready to serve. Let it sit for just a few minutes (10 minutes is great) so everything soaks up that flavor, but not long enough for the veggies to go soft.

If you’re taking this to a party or making it ahead, just keep the dressing in a jar and mix it in when it’s go-time.

Making this cucumber bell pepper salad ahead of time

You totally can prep this salad ahead. Slice your veggies, store them in an airtight container, and keep the dressing separate. It’ll all stay fresh in the fridge for up to a day or so. This is a great one to pack for lunch or bring to a cookout.

Just remember—dressing just before serving is the key to keeping that crisp factor.

Fun ways to change it up your cucumber and bell pepper salad

This is such an easy salad to play with. Want to turn up the heat? Add a little chili crisp or chili crunch. Or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top!

Want it extra savory? Sprinkle on some everything but the bagel seasoning or even just a bit of bagel seasoning for crunch.

You can toss in cherry tomatoes, fresh green onions, or extra herbs like basil or mint. Add a handful of chickpeas or feta if you want to make the salad more filling.

There’s no wrong way to make this your own.

How to serve it as a side dish

This one’s a showstopper on any table. Serve it chilled in a big bowl, or portion it into jars or containers for grab-and-go meals.

It’s awesome next to grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches. Or just eat it solo—it totally holds its own.

This is one of those summer recipes that works anywhere and always gets compliments.

How to keep pepper and cucumber salad fresh and crisp

Quick tips for the best texture:

Use firm, fresh cucumbers and mini bell peppers if you can find them

Keep the dressing and salad separate until serving

Chill everything before tossing it together

Add crunchy toppings like bagel seasoning right before serving

You want a crunchy salad that feels light and tastes fresh, and these tips will help you get that every time.

Whether you’re following the tiktok viral cucumber pepper salad trend or just love a good bell pepper salad, this one’s a keeper. Make this recipe once, and you'll be hooked.

More Summer Cucumber Recipes

How to make the quickest and easiest pickles

Summer Cucumber Salad with Mozzarella

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Easy Marinated Cucumbers

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