This Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe is a vibrant, refreshing way to brighten up your meal times. Crisp Persian cucumbers and colorful mini sweet bell peppers come together with a flavorful sesame ginger dressing that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes. It’s a fantastic dish that’s quick to make, packed with texture and color, and offers a delightful crunch with every bite. Whether you want a light side salad or an exciting addition to your table, this recipe delivers freshness and wonderful Asian-inspired flair that you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this irresistible salad. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crisp textures of the cucumbers and sweet peppers to the deeply fragrant and tangy dressing that brings everything together beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for the dressing with a fruitiness that complements the vegetables.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bright, mild acidity that balances the sweetness and oils perfectly.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dressing with a warm, nutty aroma that’s essential for an authentic Asian touch.
- Soya sauce: Contributes umami depth and a hint of saltiness enhancing the overall flavor.
- Grated ginger: Brings a fresh, slightly spicy sharpness that enlivens the dressing.
- Honey: Offers subtle sweetness to harmonize the savory and acidic ingredients.
- Mini sweet bell peppers (mixed colors): Adds bright color, crunch, and a juicy sweetness.
- Persian cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, their thin skin and minimal seeds make them perfect for salads.
- Chili oil: Optional but brilliant for adding a touch of spicy heat according to your preference.
- Everything but the bagel seasoning: A fun seasoning that adds texture and an extra layer of savory flavor.
How to Make Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Dressing
Begin by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soya sauce, freshly grated ginger, and honey in a small bowl. This delightful dressing is the heart of the salad, combining bright acidity with sweet and nutty undertones that will cling to every vegetable slice with delicious flavor.
Step 2: Slice Your Vegetables
Thinly slice the mini sweet bell peppers into colorful rings and cut the Persian cucumbers into crisp rounds. These cuts ensure each bite is satisfying and the mix of juicy peppers and crunchy cucumbers gives the salad its vibrant texture.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
In a large mixing or serving bowl, combine the sliced peppers and cucumbers. Pour over the sesame ginger dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly. This step blends the flavors and allows the fresh vegetables to soak up the dressing’s wonderful aroma.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Adjust the salad’s seasoning by adding chili oil slowly, tasting as you go to get the perfect spicy kick for your palate. Sprinkle in the everything but the bagel seasoning, which adds an irresistible crunch and extra savory notes that lift the entire dish.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can enjoy this salad immediately to appreciate the crisp textures or refrigerate it briefly to let the flavors meld together further. Both ways promise a fresh, delightful experience every time.
How to Serve Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro for a little extra burst of flavor and color. These garnishes enhance the salad’s presentation and provide a complementary crunch and aroma.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu, making it a perfect side for a healthy, satisfying meal. You can also serve it alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete, balanced plate that’s bursting with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual glass jars or vibrant bowls to showcase its stunning colors. You can also top it with crunchy roasted nuts like cashews or peanuts for an added layer of texture and flavor complexity that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to two days. Since the vegetables stay crisp and the dressing keeps its flavor, leftovers remain fresh and tasty, perfect for a quick snack or addition to your lunch the next day.
Freezing
Because this dish relies on the crunchiness of fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended. The cucumbers and peppers will become watery and lose their desirable texture once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply take it out of the fridge a bit before serving to allow the flavors to open up and the chill to soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work fine, but you might want to peel them and remove the seeds since Persian cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds, contributing to a better crunch and less bitterness.
Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, try using apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch. They will alter the flavor slightly but still provide that essential mild acidity necessary for the dressing.
How spicy is this salad with chili oil?
The amount of chili oil used controls the heat level. You can add as little or as much as you like to suit your taste. If you prefer no heat at all, simply omit the chili oil altogether.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan except for the honey in the dressing. To make it vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness.
What is the best way to slice the sweet bell peppers?
Slicing the mini sweet bell peppers into thin rings ensures each bite is tender yet crunchy and allows the dressing to coat all the surfaces for maximum flavor. Make sure to remove seeds before slicing for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe a try will quickly make it a staple in your meal rotation. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and bursting with flavor—a dish that brings so much joy and simplicity to the table. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this salad offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes that everyone will love. So go ahead, dive in and savor every colorful, crunchy bite!
Print
Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad featuring a flavorful sesame ginger dressing, perfect for a quick and healthy side dish or light meal. This salad combines crisp Persian cucumbers and colorful mini sweet bell peppers with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing enhanced by chili oil and everything but the bagel seasoning for an added burst of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Sesame Ginger Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soya sauce
- ½ tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1½ tablespoons honey
For the Salad
- 7–8 mini sweet bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into rings
- 4 Persian cucumbers, sliced
- ¼ cup sesame ginger dressing (prepared above)
- 1–2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust according 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, soya sauce, grated ginger, and honey until well combined to create a flavorful and balanced dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing or serving bowl, add the sliced mini sweet bell peppers and Persian cucumbers.
- Add Dressing and Toss: Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the chopped vegetables. Toss everything together gently to ensure all pieces are coated evenly with the dressing.
- Season to Taste: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chili oil, adjusting based on your preferred spice level. Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons of everything but the bagel seasoning over the salad. Toss again lightly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy this crisp, colorful, and delicious salad either way.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili oil depending on your heat preference or omit for a milder version.
- Everything but the bagel seasoning adds a nice flavor and texture; substitute with your favorite seasoning blend if unavailable.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- To make it vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Ensure cucumbers and peppers are thoroughly washed before slicing to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
