There’s just something magical about the vibrant crunch of a fresh salad, and this Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is honestly one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season’s brightest veggies. With a zippy dressing, pops of chili heat, and that irresistible “everything bagel” flavor, this simple bowl delivers huge bursts of flavor—and I promise, you’ll find yourself craving more with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Refreshing: The combination of chilled cucumbers and bell peppers supplies a cool, crisp bite that’s so satisfying on a hot day (or any day, honestly!).
- Big Flavor, Zero Fuss: With chili crisp and ginger-sesame dressing, bold flavor comes together almost instantly—no complicated prep needed!
- Colorful & Versatile: Those rainbow bell peppers brighten up every table and make this salad the perfect show-stopping side, snack, or meal topper.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It keeps its crunch in the fridge for days, so you can enjoy fresh-tasting veggies all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is its simplicity—each ingredient does a little bit of the heavy lifting for flavor, texture, and color! Don’t skip or swap too much, because these are truly the secret to a salad that wows every time.
- Mini Cucumbers: These deliver extra crunch and a mild sweetness; Persian or English cucumbers can be used if minis are unavailable.
- Mini Bell Peppers (orange, red, yellow): Not only are they sweeter than large bell peppers, but their color mix makes the whole salad pop.
- Chili Crisp Oil: This adds a savory, spicy depth and a little crunch from the bits of pepper and garlic—choose your favorite brand (I love Fly By Jing!) for personality.
- Ginger Sesame Dressing: A tangy, Asian-inspired vinaigrette ties everything together and enhances the veggies’ natural flavors. Store-bought is quick, but homemade works beautifully, too.
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: Those seeds, garlic, onion, and salty flecks make every bite irresistibly savory and layered—don’t be shy to add more if you love a strong punch!
Variations
This salad is seriously a blank canvas for creativity! You can easily tweak this recipe to fit what you have on hand—or your mood. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make your Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad totally your own.
- Add Protein: Toss in a scoop of cottage cheese (as suggested!) or top with shredded chicken or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Simply skip the cottage cheese, or sub in a dollop of vegan ricotta or tahini drizzle for creaminess.
- Boost the Crunch: Add thinly sliced radishes, snap peas, or toasted nuts or seeds for an extra pop.
- Play With the Dressing: Swap the ginger-sesame for a zesty lemon vinaigrette, or use spicy peanut dressing for a Thai-inspired twist.
How to Make Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Step 1: Slice the Veggies
Start by washing your mini cucumbers and bell peppers well. Slice the cucumbers into thin circles—aim for about ¼-inch thickness for that perfect snap. Core and seed the peppers, then slice them into thin rings or half-moons. Keeping everything bite-sized lets the dressing coat each piece and ensures every forkful is colorful and crunchy.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Transfer all your cucumber and bell pepper slices to a big mixing bowl. Drizzle on the chili crisp oil, pour over the ginger sesame dressing, and sprinkle generously with Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together until the veggies are well coated and glossy—you’ll see those gorgeous flecks of seasoning all over!
Step 3: Chill and Serve
For maximum crunch and flavor, cover the bowl and let your Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the veggies soak up all those delicious flavors and keeps them extra crisp!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Chill the Veggies: For the crispiest cucumbers and peppers, refrigerate them for 30–60 minutes before you start slicing—cold veggies have extra snap!
- Dress Just Before Serving: If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.
- Slice Evenly: Uniform slices help the salad look beautiful and ensure every piece gets equally coated with flavor.
- Season to Taste: Give a little taste test after mixing—you might love a little extra chili crisp or bagel seasoning for more zing.
How to Serve Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Garnishes
Topping this salad is a breeze—just sprinkle with extra Everything But The Bagel seasoning for visual flair, or add fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or thinly sliced green onions for an extra hit of freshness (and that “wow” factor). A scattering of toasted sesame seeds never hurts either!
Side Dishes
The Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for potlucks and picnics! Pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or alongside sandwiches and wraps. It’s also amazing spooned over a dollop of cottage cheese or ricotta for a high-protein lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad into mason jars for picnic-ready portions, or serve in lettuce leaves as fun, edible cups. For parties, spoon the salad into small shot glasses or on crostini for a dazzling, bite-sized appetizer. Don’t forget a drizzle of extra chili crisp for that irresistible sheen!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps its crunch nicely for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best texture, give it a quick toss before serving and add a little extra seasoning or dressing if needed to freshen it up.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this recipe isn’t a great candidate for freezing—the cucumbers and peppers lose their lovely crunch and get watery once thawed. Stick to the fridge for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
No reheating needed (or recommended!) for the Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad. It’s best enjoyed straight from the fridge, chilled and bursting with flavor. If you want to refresh leftovers, just toss with a touch more dressing or seasoning.
FAQs
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Can I substitute regular cucumbers and bell peppers?
Absolutely! If you can’t find mini cucumbers, use English (seedless) cucumbers and simply slice them thinly. Regular bell peppers (red, orange, yellow) are also perfectly fine—just chop into thin strips or bite-size pieces for the best texture.
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How spicy is the salad with chili crisp oil?
Chili crisp oil usually delivers a mild to moderate heat and rich flavor, but spice levels can vary by brand. Start with a little, then add more to taste—it’s easy to adjust and customize.
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What’s a good substitute for Everything But The Bagel seasoning?
If you’re out of everything bagel seasoning, try a homemade mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and a little flaky salt. It won’t be identical, but it comes close to that signature crunch and savory bite!
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Can I prep the salad ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Slice the veggies and keep separate from the dressing and seasonings until ready to serve. Mix everything together and chill just before enjoying for the freshest, crispiest result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts simple, fresh, and unforgettable, you can’t go wrong with this Crispy Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll revisit all year long. I hope you give it a try—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
Print
Crispy Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines crisp cucumbers and colorful bell peppers with a zesty chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing. Topped with Everything But The Bagel seasoning, this salad is bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad:
- 3–4 mini cucumbers, sliced
- 6–7 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow), sliced
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil (e.g., Fly By Zing)
- 1/4 cup Ginger Sesame Dressing (e.g., Bragg’s)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers and bell peppers: Cut the cucumbers and bell peppers into thin circles.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, chili crisp oil, ginger sesame dressing, and Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Optional: Serve the salad over 1 cup of cottage cheese for a high-protein option if not following a dairy-free diet.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Everything But The Bagel Seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
