If you’re searching for a refreshing, vibrant dish bursting with color and flavor, the Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe is an absolute winner. This salad brings together crisp Persian cucumbers and sweet mini bell peppers, perfectly coated in a tangy and sweet sesame ginger dressing, making it an irresistible side or light meal. It’s simple to prepare, full of fresh ingredients, and packs a delightful punch that leaves you wanting more. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch or spicing up your dinner table, this salad delivers bright, crunchy satisfaction every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this salad is carefully chosen to balance sweetness, crunch, and zest. These simple essentials come together to create a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds smoothness and brings a subtle fruitiness to the dressing.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a mild tang that brightens the whole salad.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that elevates the dressing’s complexity.
- Soya sauce: Delivers a savory depth and a touch of umami.
- Grated ginger: Offers a fresh, spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally, harmonizing all the flavors.
- Mini sweet bell peppers (mixed colors): Bring vibrant color and a crisp, mild sweetness.
- Persian cucumbers: Tender and crunchy, these cucumbers add a cool freshness.
- Sesame ginger dressing: The star element tying the salad together with intense flavor.
- Chili oil: Adds warmth and a gentle heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Everything but the bagel seasoning: A savory, garlicky topping that adds irresistible flair.
How to Make Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Dressing
First things first, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soya sauce, freshly grated ginger, and honey in a small bowl. This mixture becomes a silky, flavorful dressing that beautifully coats the salad ingredients with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes.
Step 2: Slice the Vegetables
While the dressing is coming together, slice the mini sweet bell peppers into vibrant rings and cut the Persian cucumbers into crisp, bite-sized rounds. This straightforward prep ensures each bite bursts with varied texture and bright color.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Next, place the sliced cucumbers and sweet peppers into a large mixing or serving bowl. Pour the freshly whisked sesame ginger dressing over the top and toss everything gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated with that fantastic flavor blend.
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning
Now, it’s time to personalize the heat level by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili oil, depending on how spicy you like it, and sprinkle 2 to 3 teaspoons of everything but the bagel seasoning over the salad. Toss lightly once more, and your salad is ready to bring some serious wow to your table.
How to Serve Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Add a handful of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro for a boost of visual appeal and extra texture. These simple garnishes give your salad that final polished touch and a subtle flavor lift that’s just irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a bowl of steamed jasmine rice for a light, healthy meal. The fresh crunch and tangy dressing offer a perfect contrast to richer proteins and starches.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing option, serve the salad in cute individual glass jars layered with some cooked quinoa or noodles at the bottom to turn it into a fresh, no-cook lunch jar. You can also arrange it atop a bed of mixed greens for added volume or stuff it inside pita bread for a crisp and zesty sandwich filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps wonderfully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate if you know you won’t eat it immediately to preserve the vegetables’ crispness.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh, crunchy vegetables, freezing is not recommended as it could change the texture and flavor negatively after thawing. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
Since this salad shines best chilled or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving, but keep in mind the cooling crunch is part of its charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work fine; just remove the seeds if you want to avoid extra moisture and a bit of bitterness.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, as long as you opt for a soy sauce without fish additives and ensure your honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave, this salad can easily be vegan-friendly.
How spicy is the salad with chili oil?
The chili oil adds a gentle warmth that you can control by adjusting the amount used. Start small if you’re sensitive to spice, and add more gradually to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely! The sesame ginger dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated in a sealed container for convenience.
What’s the best way to slice the mini sweet peppers?
Slicing them into thin rings is perfect for maintaining their crunch and creating a vibrant, attractive salad. It also helps the dressing coat each piece evenly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe, it will become one of your go-to fresh, flavorful dishes. It’s quick to pull together, irresistibly vibrant, and packed with a taste that stays unforgettable. Don’t hesitate—grab those cucumbers and sweet peppers, and bring a burst of zest and crunch to your next meal. You’re going to love every bite!
Print
Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion/Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad featuring a zesty sesame ginger dressing, perfect for a quick and healthy side dish or light meal. This colorful salad combines the crunch of Persian cucumbers and mini sweet bell peppers with a flavorful dressing enhanced by chili oil and everything but the bagel seasoning.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon grated ginger
- 1½ tablespoons honey
Salad
- 7–8 mini sweet bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into rings
- 4 Persian cucumbers, sliced
- ¼ cup sesame ginger dressing (prepared from above)
- 1–2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to preference)
- 2–3 teaspoons everything but the bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Sesame Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and honey until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a mixing or serving bowl, combine the sliced mini sweet bell peppers and sliced Persian cucumbers.
- Add Dressing and Seasoning: Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the vegetables, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili oil, adjusting to your desired spice level.
- Season to Taste: Sprinkle 2 to 3 teaspoons of everything but the bagel seasoning over the salad and toss everything gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest texture or chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy this crisp, colorful salad as a perfect light side or snack.
Notes
- Adjust the chili oil quantity to control the heat according to your preference.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to a few hours before serving.
- Everything but the bagel seasoning adds a savory crunch; feel free to substitute with sesame seeds and salt if unavailable.
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers and sweet peppers for maximum crunch and flavor.
- This salad can be made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
