Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad

Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad (My Fresh Twist on a Viral Salad)

I love a salad with serious crunch and this Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad delivers in every bite. It's fresh, colorful, and tossed in a sesame-ginger dressing that somehow makes everything taste even brighter.

This salad went viral for a reason. It's crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to throw together, but I wanted to make it a little more interesting, a little more satisfying, and a lot more flavorful.

My version adds fresh herbs, edamame for protein, and a punchy sesame-ginger dressing that brings everything together in the best way. And if you like a little heat, the chili crunch takes it over the top. I also like to finish the salad with a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning.

I love making this when I want something light, but still filling. It works beautifully for lunch meal prep, but it also shines as a side for grilled chicken, salmon, or anything coming off the grill in the summer.

It fits just as easily into a weeknight dinner as it does a BBQ or potluck spread…and it's always one of the first things gone. It's so fresh and delicious!

Ingredients (with Helpful Notes)

For the Salad

• Persian cucumbers – Crisp, refreshing, and ideal for salads since they have thin skin and minimal seeds. Slice into thin rounds so every bite has crunch. If you can't find Persian cucumbers, you can use English cucumbers, just chop them up!
• Mini sweet peppers – Naturally sweet and colorful; slice into thin rings for the best texture and even distribution.
• Edamame – Adds protein and makes the salad more filling. Be sure they're cooked, shelled, and fully cooled.
• Green onions – Bring a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness of the peppers.
• Fresh cilantro – Adds brightness and a fresh, citrusy herb flavor.
• Fresh mint – Cool and refreshing; really elevates the salad's flavor profile.
• Sesame seeds – Add subtle nutty crunch throughout the salad.
• Chili crunch (optional) – Adds heat, texture, and depth for a little kick.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning – the perfect finishing touch! You can also use sesame seeds.

For the Dressing

• Soy sauce – Savory base that adds umami without overpowering the fresh vegetables. I recommend using reduced sodium or lite soy sauce. You can use Tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Rice vinegar – Brings brightness and tang to balance the sweetness.
• Avocado oil – Smooth base that helps the dressing coat everything evenly.
• Sesame oil – Adds rich, nutty depth (a little goes a long way).
• Maple syrup (or honey) – Light sweetness to balance acidity and saltiness.
• Fresh ginger – Adds warmth and a fresh, slightly spicy bite.
• Garlic – Deepens flavor and gives the dressing its savory backbone.

How to Store

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Vegetables will soften slightly but still taste fresh and flavorful.
• For best texture, store dressing separately and toss before serving.
• Always give it a quick toss before eating to redistribute dressing.

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Salads

Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad

Crunchy cucumbers, sweet mini peppers, edamame, and fresh herbs tossed in a sesame-ginger dressing. This refreshing salad is crisp, flavorful, and perfect for summer meals, potlucks, or meal prep.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the salad:

• 6 Persian cucumbers sliced, about 4 cups
• 13 mini sweet peppers, sliced into thin rounds (remove any loose seeds) about 2 ½ cups
• 1 1/2 cups edamame
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons chopped mint
• 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon chili crunch, optional

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lite soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1 garlic clove, grated

For garnish:

• Everything Bagel Seasoning, or sesame seeds

Instructions

 

• Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the avocado oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, and garlic until well combined.
  
• Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, mini peppers, edamame, green onions, cilantro, mint, sesame seeds, and chili crunch, if using.
  
• Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  
• Garnish & Serve: Top with extra sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning, if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for even more flavor.
  

Notes

• Use Persian cucumbers for the best crunch and texture
• Slice vegetables thin so dressing coats evenly
• Chill briefly before serving for best flavor
• Add chili crunch at the end for texture and heat
• Best enjoyed fresh but holds well for meal prep

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 508mg, Potassium: 441mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 2078IU, Vitamin C: 81mg, Calcium: 83mg, Iron: 2mg

Keywords cucumber, edamame, everything bagel seasoning, sweet pepper

Have you tried this recipe?

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Variations

• Add avocado right before serving
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein
• Toss with quinoa or rice to make it a full meal bowl
• Add chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch
• Swap mint for basil or Thai basil for a different herb profile
• Add sliced jalapeño for extra heat

More Fresh Cucumber Salad Recipes

• Easy Cucumber Salad
• Cucumber Edamame Salad
• Peach Cucumber Salad
• Cucumber Avocado Salad
• Cucumber Quinoa Salad

Check out all of my SALAD RECIPES!