Mini Cucumber and Pepper Salad : Fresh Cookout Side

If you’re looking for a refreshing, crisp, and vibrant salad that’s perfect for cookouts, meal prep, or a light lunch, this Mini Cucumber and Pepper Salad is a must-try! Made with crunchy cucumbers, sweet peppers, and juicy tomatoes, this salad is easy to make, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re searching for healthy cookout sides, a meal prep cucumber salad, or a burger side salad, this pepper cucumber tomato salad is light, delicious, and pairs well with any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Mini Cucumber and Pepper Salad

  • Light & Refreshing – A crisp, hydrating salad perfect for summer.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes!
  • Healthy & Nutrient-Packed – Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
  • Meal Prep-Friendly – Stays fresh for days, making it great for lunch prep.
  • Pairs with Any Meal – A fantastic side dish for burgers, grilled chicken, or seafood.

Ingredients for Mini Cucumber and Pepper Salad

  • 2 cups mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for extra freshness)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this crisp cucumber salad, you’ll need:

  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or small jar (for dressing)
  • Tongs or salad spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mini Cucumber and Pepper Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Slice mini cucumbers, mini sweet peppers, and cherry tomatoes into thin pieces.
  2. Thinly slice red onion and chop fresh herbs.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Shake or whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle with the homemade dressing and toss gently to coat.
  3. Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

  1. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Cucumber and Pepper Salad

  • Use fresh, firm cucumbers – Mini cucumbers work best because they stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
  • Let the salad marinate – For even better flavor, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  • Want extra crunch? – Add toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
  • For a spicy kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
  • Make it a full meal – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa for protein.

Fun Variations of Cucumber and Pepper Salad

  • Mediterranean Cucumber Salad – Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta.
  • Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad – Use sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds instead of vinegar dressing.
  • Avocado Cucumber Salad – Add diced avocado and lime juice for extra creaminess.
  • Greek Yogurt Dressing Option – Swap the oil-based dressing for a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.
  • Crunchy Cabbage Salad – Mix in shredded cabbage for more texture.

How to Store & Keep This Salad Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Keep the dressing separate and mix before serving for the crunchiest texture.
  • Avoid Freezing: The salad ingredients will become watery if frozen.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

  • Serve as a side dish for grilled chicken, burgers, or BBQ ribs.
  • Pair with pita bread and hummus for a light Mediterranean meal.
  • Use as a topping for grain bowls with quinoa or couscous.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cucumber Salad

  • Not drying cucumbers properly – Pat them dry to avoid a watery salad.
  • Overdressing the salad – Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.
  • Skipping the marination time – Letting it sit enhances the flavors.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Cucumber and Pepper Salad

  • Grilled salmon or shrimp – A perfect light and refreshing pairing.
  • Turkey or chicken burgers – A great alternative to heavy mayo-based sides.
  • Lemon herb quinoa – Adds protein and fiber for a well-rounded meal.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Store the salad and dressing separately and mix right before serving for the best texture.

2. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini cucumbers?
Yes, but remove the seeds and slice them thinly to prevent excess water.

3. How can I make this salad dairy-free?
Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with vegan cheese crumbles.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Mini Cucumber and Pepper Salad is the perfect healthy cookout sidelight, refreshing, and bursting with fresh flavors. Whether you’re making it as a meal prep cucumber salad, a healthy lunch, or a burger side salad, it’s a quick and easy recipe that pairs well with almost anything!

Try this pepper cucumber tomato salad today and share your results! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more healthy, delicious recipes!

Print

Mini Cucumber and Pepper Salad : Fresh Cookout Side

If you’re looking for a refreshing, crisp, and vibrant salad that’s perfect for cookouts, meal prep, or a light lunch, this Mini Cucumber and Pepper Salad is a must-try!

  • Author: Lyndy kitchen
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Total Time: 10
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cups mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for extra freshness)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Slice mini cucumbers, mini sweet peppers, and cherry tomatoes into thin pieces.
  2. Thinly slice red onion and chop fresh herbs.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Shake or whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle with the homemade dressing and toss gently to coat.
  3. Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

  1. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm cucumbers – Mini cucumbers work best because they stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
  • Let the salad marinate – For even better flavor, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  • Want extra crunch? – Add toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 190
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 15g

Keywords: Cookout Sides Healthy

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