Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Then look no further! This vibrant bell pepper salad recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a light and refreshing lunch. Packed with crunchy vegetables, a zesty dressing, and a touch of sweetness, it's a delicious dish the whole family will adore. This recipe is easily adaptable, making it one of the best recipes for those who love to experiment in the kitchen. Get ready to discover a new favorite among easy recipes and healthy meals!
Ingredients:
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Start by washing and thoroughly drying all your vegetables. Thinly slice the bell peppers and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Preparing everything in advance makes the assembly process super quick. This is a key element for quick dinner ideas.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A little extra lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and olives. Gently toss to combine.
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Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly. If using, crumble the feta cheese over the top just before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Choose colorful peppers: Using a mix of colored bell peppers not only looks stunning but also adds different flavor nuances to your salad.
- Don't overdress: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Make it ahead: This salad is even better if you make it a few hours ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans are excellent additions to make this a more substantial meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
- Herby delight: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or mint would complement the flavors beautifully.
- Different cheese: Try goat cheese or crumbled halloumi instead of feta for a change.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
This delicious salad is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that’s both healthy and incredibly tasty. Enjoy this delightful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and delicious dishes!