Cucumber Tomato Sweet Pepper Salad with Dried Cranberries (Easy Recipe)
Skip the heavy dressing — this vibrant salad doesn’t need it! Bursting with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, colorful sweet peppers, and tart dried cranberries, it’s a refreshing mix of texture and flavor that comes together in minutes. The natural sweetness of the cranberries perfectly balances the crunch of the vegetables, creating a light yet satisfying dish that’s rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
You can use English (hothouse) or Garden cucumbers for this recipe.
- English cucumbers are long, slender, and thin-skinned with few seeds and a mild flavor — ideal for salads or quick pickling.
- Garden cucumbers, common in North America, have thicker, often waxed skin that’s best peeled. If yours are unwaxed, leave the skin on for extra crunch, but do remove the large seeds for a smoother texture.
This colorful salad takes just 7–10 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a refreshing side dish. Simple, healthy, and full of flavor — it’s an authentic taste of freshness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes — ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute sides.
- Colorful and Refreshing: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sweet peppers create a bright, beautiful salad bursting with freshness.
- Sweet Meets Savory: Dried cranberries add a hint of natural sweetness, pairing perfectly with the tangy vinaigrette and fresh vegetables.
- Light Yet Satisfying: A healthy choice that’s full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins — perfect as a light lunch or dinner side.
- Versatile and Customizable: Enjoy it plain, with a light vinaigrette, or topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or feta cheese for extra protein.
Ingredient Description
Cucumber
Cucumbers add crispness and hydration to this salad. English cucumbers are thin-skinned and seedless, making them perfect for fresh dishes, while garden cucumbers offer a heartier crunch. Both varieties bring a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cranberries and peppers.
Tomatoes
Ripe, firm tomatoes provide juicy freshness and a subtle tang that brightens the salad. They’re naturally rich in vitamins A and C and complement the mild flavor of the cucumbers perfectly.
Sweet Mini Peppers
Sweet mini peppers — especially orange or yellow ones — bring color, crunch, and a mild fruity sweetness. They’re an excellent source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, adding both beauty and nutrition to the dish.
Dried Cranberries
Dried cranberries offer a delightful sweet-tart contrast to the fresh vegetables. They also add antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and a chewy texture that makes every bite more interesting.
Olive Oil
A drizzle of olive oil adds smoothness and heart-healthy fats. It also helps carry the flavors of the dressing and lightly coats the vegetables without overpowering their natural taste.
Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar adds bright acidity, balancing the sweetness of the dried cranberries and the mild flavor of the cucumbers.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard gives the dressing body and tang, helping to emulsify the vinaigrette while adding a layer of savory depth.
Dried Oregano
Oregano provides a warm, earthy aroma that ties all the salad ingredients together, giving the dish a Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion feel.
Salt and Pepper
A simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors and keeps the salad well-balanced.
Notes and Tips
- Add a Kick: For a spicier version, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the vinaigrette or directly over the salad before serving.
- Add Protein: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a complete, balanced meal.
- Substitute Smartly: If you don’t have dried cranberries, try chopped fresh cherries, dried cherries, or raisins for a similar sweet-tart flavor.
- Serving Tip: Chill the salad for 10–15 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing crunch.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamins: A natural source of vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune health, skin vitality, and bone strength.
- Fiber-Packed: The mix of cucumbers, peppers, and cranberries adds dietary fiber to aid digestion and satiety.
- Antioxidant Boost: Dried cranberries contribute powerful antioxidants that help combat free radicals and promote overall wellness.
- Hydrating and Light: With cucumbers as the base, this salad keeps you hydrated while remaining low in calories and fat.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Contains no meat or poultry.
- Vegan: Free from all animal products, including dairy and eggs.
- Gluten-Free: Made entirely from gluten-free ingredients.
- Dairy-Free: Contains no milk or dairy products.
- Kid-Friendly: Colorful, crunchy, and full of nutrients that kids enjoy.
- Paleo: Not fully Paleo due to dried cranberries (processed fruit).
- Whole30: Not Whole30-compliant because of dried fruit.
- Keto: Can be modified for Keto by reducing or omitting cranberries.
- Low-Fat: Uses olive oil and Dijon mustard for a light, heart-healthy dressing.
- Low-Calorie: Naturally low in calories — perfect for light meals or sides.
Variations
One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to customize with ingredients you already have on hand.
Add Cheese
Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or fresh mozzarella for a creamy contrast to the crisp vegetables.
Make It Heartier
Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, tuna, or chickpeas.
Add More Vegetables
Mix in sliced red onions, avocado, celery, radishes, or thinly sliced carrots for extra texture and flavor.
Make It Sweeter
Replace the dried cranberries with raisins, chopped dried apricots, or fresh blueberries during summer.
Add Crunch
Top the salad with toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds if there are no nut allergies.
Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil, mint, parsley, dill, or chives all work beautifully in this refreshing salad.
Serving Suggestions
- How to Serve
- How to Serve
- This refreshing cucumber tomato sweet pepper salad complements many meals throughout the year.
- Serve it alongside:
- Grilled chicken breasts
- Caribbean grilled fish
- Baked salmon
- Grilled shrimp
- Steak
- Turkey burgers
- Pulled chicken sandwiches
- Jerk-style chicken (or your upcoming Noubess seasoning blend)
- Rice and beans
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Pasta dishes
- Picnic lunches
- Summer barbecues and potlucks
- For a light lunch, enjoy it with warm crusty bread or stuff it into pita pockets with grilled chicken or hummus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the salad up to one day in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the freshest texture, add the dressing shortly before serving.
How long does cucumber tomato salad last?
It is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days. As it sits, the cucumbers and tomatoes release moisture, making the salad less crisp.
Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely. Cherry or grape tomatoes work wonderfully and require only a quick slice in half.
Can I substitute the dried cranberries?
Yes. Raisins, chopped dried cherries, dried apricots, or even fresh blueberries make excellent substitutions.
What type of cucumber works best?
English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or regular garden cucumbers all work well. If using large garden cucumbers, peel them if the skin is thick and remove large seeds if necessary.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes. The recipe is naturally vegan as long as your dressing ingredients are plant-based.
What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, tuna, chickpeas, or white beans all turn this salad into a satisfying meal.
Can I freeze this salad?
No. Cucumbers and tomatoes become watery and lose their crisp texture after freezing, so this salad is best enjoyed fresh.
This Cucumber, Tomato, Sweet Pepper, and Dried Cranberry Salad is the perfect blend of freshness, color, and flavor. Light yet satisfying, it captures the vibrant spirit of Caribbean cooking, simple ingredients, bright flavors, and wholesome goodness in every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, a side for grilled meats or seafood, or part of a weekend family meal, this salad is proof that healthy eating can be both delicious and effortless.
Source:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/cucumber-varieties-4069657
Cucumber Tomato Sweet Pepper Salad with Dried Cranberries
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or measuring cup
- Salad serving bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 English cucumber or 2 small garden cucumbers, sliced
- 2 large Roma tomatoes cut into wedges or large chunks, seeds removed if desired
- 4 mini sweet peppers red, orange, and yellow, sliced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables
- Wash and dry the cucumber, tomatoes, and sweet peppers. Slice the cucumber into rounds or half-moons, cut the tomatoes into large wedges, slice the sweet peppers into rings, and chop the parsley.
Make the vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the salad
- Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet peppers, dried cranberries, and parsley in a large serving bowl.
Toss
- Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and serve
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come together.
Notes
Recipe Notes & Expert Tips
- Use ripe but firm tomatoes so they hold their shape after tossing.
- English cucumbers work especially well because they have thin skins and fewer seeds.
- Pat the vegetables dry after washing to prevent a watery salad.
- Add the dressing just before serving for the freshest texture.
- If making ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Taste before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar to your preference.
Recipe Variations
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Toss in sliced avocado just before serving.
- Mix in chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
- Add sliced red onion for a sharper flavor.
- Substitute raisins or dried cherries for the dried cranberries.
- Sprinkle with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing salad pairs well with many Caribbean-inspired meals and everyday favorites. Serve it with:- Grilled chicken
- Grilled shrimp
- Baked salmon
- Grilled snapper
- Haitian Chicken en Sauce
- Rice and beans
- Quinoa
- Crusty bread
- Turkey burgers
- Sandwiches and wraps
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release water, stir the salad before serving if it has been refrigerated. This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the vegetables will lose their crisp texture after thawing.Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
