Are you craving a quick, vibrant, and absolutely mouthwatering salad that'll transport your taste buds straight to the sunny Mediterranean coast? Look no further! This Easy Bell Pepper Salad is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Imagine crisp, colorful bell peppers dancing with cool cucumber and tangy red onions, all dressed in a silky balsamic vinaigrette – it's like a summer vacation on your plate! Whether you're a busy home cook, a health enthusiast, or someone who loves fresh, simple ingredients, this salad is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully dice the bell peppers into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size, removing and discarding the seeds and stem.
- Peel the cucumber and dice it into similar-sized cubes as the bell peppers, ensuring consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Finely chop the red onion into small, thin pieces to distribute flavor evenly and prevent overpowering individual bites.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, cucumber, and chopped red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers at their peak ripeness – look for vibrant colors and firm texture. Mix different colors (red, yellow, green) for a stunning visual appeal.
- For the best flavor, use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Chill your ingredients before mixing to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
- If you want to make the salad ahead of time, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, and combine just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
- For added protein, consider tossing in some crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken strips.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve immediately after adding the dressing to preserve the vegetables' fresh texture and prevent wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 82kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
