Hot Girl Summer Salad (Bell Pepper Salad)

Hot Girl Summer Salad is all the rage these days!! Crunchy bell peppers, cucumbers, and pepperoncini peppers make a great combination and the tangy homemade dressing makes this bell pepper salad taste amazing!

This summer salad with bell peppers has taken the internet by storm, especially on social media platforms like TikTok.

What makes this salad so special and why it has everyone raving about it?? It's the mouthwatering combination of flavors and the ease of making this dish at home.

Made with a variety of healthy and refreshing ingredients such as green bell peppers, cucumbers, red onion, sunflower seed kernels, and more.

You'll soon discover that this salad is not only incredibly satisfying but also super flavorful and crunchy.

Craving more summer salads? Try this Greek pasta salad recipe, healthy tuna salad, Cocktail Seafood Salad or our collection of crunchy salad recipes! It goes great with the best green smoothie recipe.

Why You Will Love This Bell Pepper Salad

• Perfect dish to enjoy in the warm summer months. Its refreshing ingredients and tangy flavors make it the ultimate summer treat.
• Makes a great side dish for all types of meals.
• It's low-calorie and prepared with nutrient-dense ingredients making it a healthy option for meals.
• This dish is perfect for outdoor dining and picnics with vibrant colors to brighten up any picnic spread.
• Requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Ingredients

This dish relies on mostly fresh produce and a few pantry staples. Here's a closer look at what you need to make it.

• Bell peppers: Use a combination of red, orange, yellow, and green for a more colorful salad.
• Cucumber: With its cool, juicy flavor it makes bell pepper salad extra refreshing.
• Red onion: The perfect onion for salads! You can use green onions for a milder option if you prefer.
• Pepperoncinis: These mildly spicy peppers add some tang and flavor to the veggies. Some of the juice also flavors the simple dressing.
• Olive oil: A light, fruity, and healthy oil for making salad dressings.
• Spices: You will need some fresh garlic, oregano, and basil.
• Red wine vinegar: This bright-flavored vinegar adds just the right amount of acid to the dressing.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

Substitutions

When trying out the popular chopped salad recipe, you might want to add your own twist or work with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some suggestions for substitutions:

• Salad Dressing: Feel free to replace the dressing with your favorite vinaigrette or even homemade dressing.
• Cucumber: For a crunchy twist, consider using diced zucchini or even chopped celery instead of cucumbers.
• Pepperoncini: If you can't find pepperoncini or want to use a different pickled ingredient you can try pickled jalapeños, banana peppers, or capers instead.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead.

Variations

Want to make some major changes to customize this easy salad recipe? Here are some ideas for inspiration.

• Add some protein: Hard-boiled eggs, cooked chicken, tofu, chickpeas, and white or black beans all work great!
• Add some seeds or nuts: Add some sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts, or even chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. These add a bit more crunch.
• Swap the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your salad for more variety, like cherry tomatoes, corn, carrots, kale, spinach, purple cabbage, broccoli, or avocado.
• Add some cheese:: Crumbled feta or goat cheese work great.
• Red pepper flakes: For a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over your salad. This spice will give it a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Lemon juice: For added freshness and acidity, squeeze some lemon juice over your salad. The citrusy flavor not only brightens the taste but also helps to preserve the vibrant colors of the ingredients.

Remember, there are many ways to customize this salad, so feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients and flavors.

Have fun creating your perfect healthy and delicious salad!

How to Make Bell Pepper Salad

This dish goes together in almost no time! Here are the main steps.

1. Prepare the dressing. Combine dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well. Refrigerate until needed.

2. Finely dice the bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion.
3. Add the veggies to a large mixing bowl along with the pepperoncini peppers.

4. Pour the dressing over the salad when ready to serve.
5. Toss everything together to mix.

Hint: Add dressing only when you're ready to serve the salad to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this tortellini pasta salad.

Storage

When it comes to storing your leftover salad, there are several methods you can use to ensure it remains fresh and delicious.

Refrigerate: Place the salad in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. For best results store the veggies separate from the dressing.

Freeze: This salad is made with fresh veggies so it's best enjoyed fresh.

Make Ahead: Prepare the salad according to the instructions but hold off on adding the dressing until you're ready to serve. Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When you're ready to eat it, simply add the dressing, and toss to combine.

How to Serve

Since this easy salad is a light and refreshing dish! Pair it with a variety of main dishes. Here are some suggestions on what to serve alongside your chopped summer salad:

• Proteins: Enhance your salad by grilling chicken, broiling shrimp, or marinating tofu.
• Sandwiches or wraps: Turn your salad into a filling lunch by serving it with your favorite sandwich or tortilla wrap.
• Soup: On cooler days, serve your salad with a warm bowl of soup. Choose a light, broth-based soup like Minestrone or a zesty roasted vegetable soup to complement the refreshing flavors of the salad.
• Crusty bread: Serve your salad with a side of warm crusty bread or a toasted bagel. This will help you scoop up every delicious bite of the salad and add a delightful crunch to your meal.

Tips

Here are a few expert tips to get the most out of your Hot Girl Summer Salad:

• Make sure to include a variety of colorful vegetables in your salad for visual appeal. Use at least 2-3 different colors of bell peppers.
• Cut the veggies into small, uniform pieces.
• Add a protein to the salad to turn it into a meal.
• Making your own dressing allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your liking.
• Add dressing when ready to serve to keep vegetables fresh and crisp.

FAQ

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Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.