Cucumber Candy Pepper Salad (My Contemporary Twist on a Viral Salad)

I like a salad with severe crunch and this Cucumber Candy Pepper Salad delivers in each chunk. It’s contemporary, colourful, and tossed in a sesame-ginger dressing that by some means makes the whole lot style even brighter.

This salad went viral for a purpose. It’s crisp, refreshing, and extremely straightforward to throw collectively, however I needed to make it a bit extra fascinating, a bit extra satisfying, and much more flavorful.

My model provides contemporary herbs, edamame for protein, and a punchy sesame-ginger dressing that brings the whole lot collectively in the easiest way. And in case you like a bit warmth, the chili crunch takes it excessive. I additionally like to complete the salad with a sprinkling of the whole lot bagel seasoning.

I like making this once I need one thing gentle, however nonetheless filling. It really works fantastically for lunch meal prep, however it additionally shines as a aspect for grilled hen, salmon, or something coming off the grill in the summertime.

It matches simply as simply right into a weeknight dinner because it does a BBQ or potluck unfold…and it’s all the time one of many first issues gone. It’s so contemporary and scrumptious!

Substances (with Useful Notes)

For the Salad

• Persian cucumbers – Crisp, refreshing, and ultimate for salads since they’ve skinny pores and skin and minimal seeds. Slice into skinny rounds so each chunk has crunch. When you can’t discover Persian cucumbers, you should utilize English cucumbers, simply chop them up!
• Mini candy peppers – Naturally candy and colourful; slice into skinny rings for one of the best texture and even distribution.
• Edamame – Provides protein and makes the salad extra filling. Be certain they’re cooked, shelled, and absolutely cooled.
• Inexperienced onions – Convey a light sharpness that balances the sweetness of the peppers.
• Contemporary cilantro – Provides brightness and a contemporary, citrusy herb taste.
• Contemporary mint – Cool and refreshing; actually elevates the salad’s taste profile.
• Sesame seeds – Add delicate nutty crunch all through the salad.
• Chili crunch (non-obligatory) – Provides warmth, texture, and depth for a bit kick.
• Every thing Bagel Seasoning – the proper of completion! You may as well use sesame seeds.

For the Dressing

• Soy sauce – Savory base that provides umami with out overpowering the contemporary greens. I like to recommend utilizing lowered sodium or lite soy sauce. You should use Tamari for a gluten-free choice.
• Rice vinegar – Brings brightness and tang to stability the sweetness.
• Avocado oil – Clean base that helps the dressing coat the whole lot evenly.
• Sesame oil – Provides wealthy, nutty depth (a bit goes a good distance).
• Maple syrup (or honey) – Gentle sweetness to stability acidity and saltiness.
• Contemporary ginger – Provides heat and a contemporary, barely spicy chunk.
• Garlic – Deepens taste and provides the dressing its savory spine.

How you can Retailer

• Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 days.
• Greens will soften barely however nonetheless style contemporary and flavorful.
• For greatest texture, retailer dressing individually and toss earlier than serving.
• At all times give it a fast toss earlier than consuming to redistribute dressing.

Salads

Cucumber Candy Pepper Salad

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

For the salad:

• 6 Persian cucumbers sliced, about 4 cups
• 13 mini candy peppers, sliced into skinny rounds (take away any unfastened seeds) about 2 ½ cups
• 1 1/2 cups edamame
• 2 inexperienced onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons chopped mint
• 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon chili crunch, non-obligatory

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

• Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk collectively the avocado oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, and garlic till nicely mixed.

• Assemble the Salad: In a big bowl, mix the cucumbers, mini peppers, edamame, inexperienced onions, cilantro, mint, sesame seeds, and chili crunch, if utilizing.

• Toss Every thing Collectively: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss till the whole lot is evenly coated.

• Garnish & Serve: Prime with additional sesame seeds or Every thing Bagel Seasoning, if desired. Serve instantly or chill for 15 to twenty minutes earlier than serving for much more taste.

• Use Persian cucumbers for one of the best crunch and texture
• Slice greens skinny so dressing coats evenly
• Chill briefly earlier than serving for greatest taste
• Add chili crunch on the finish for texture and warmth
• Finest loved contemporary however holds nicely for meal prep

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

Key phrases cucumber, edamame, the whole lot bagel seasoning, candy pepper

Have you ever tried this recipe?

Depart a remark beneath and share a photograph on Instagram. Tag @twopeasandpod and hashtag it with #twopeasandtheirpod

Variations

• Add avocado proper earlier than serving
• Add grilled hen, shrimp, or tofu for protein
• Toss with quinoa or rice to make it a full meal bowl
• Add chopped peanuts or cashews for additional crunch
• Swap mint for basil or Thai basil for a distinct herb profile
• Add sliced jalapeño for additional warmth

Extra Contemporary Cucumber Salad Recipes

Try all of my SALAD RECIPES!