Cucumber, Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers and Dried Cranberries Salad: A Refreshing and Easy Recipe
Hold the salad dressing on Cucumber, Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers and Dried Cranberries Salad! No need for it today! This salad is a refreshing and easy recipe that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with fresh vegetables and fruits, and it is tossed in a simple vinaigrette dressing. The dried cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor to the salad, and they also provide a boost of antioxidants.
We all know how each of the ingredients in the salad taste but when mixed together it is a party of healthy goodness in your mouth. The salad can be prepared with English cucumbers or Garden Cucumbers.
English Cucumbers are also called hothouse cucumbers, no relation in having a hot taste at all. They are long, thin with a dark green skin and usually sold wrapped in plastic at supermarkets. English Cucumbers have a mild flavor and minimal seeds. They are great in salad and pickled.
Garden Cucumbers are commonly found in supermarkets and grocery stores in North America. The skin tends to be waxed to help with moisture that is why it is best to peel them. If you un-waxed, there is no need to peel the skin. The skin in also dark in color and seeding is recommended, as the seeds are big.
Just a tip to share with you! If you are looking for a refreshing and easy salad, don’t look any further. It only takes 7 – 10 minutes to make. Enjoy it as a snack, eat it at lunchtime or make it as a side dish for dinner.
The Ingredients for this Cucumber, Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers and Dried Cranberries Salad:
Vegetables:
Cucumber (English or garden cucumber): English cucumbers are long, thin cucumbers with a dark green skin and are commonly found in supermarkets. They have a mild flavor and minimal seeds. Garden cucumbers are more common in North America and have a thicker skin that is often waxed. If you use a garden cucumber, it is best to peel it.
Large tomatoes, cut large and seeds removed: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, and they are also a good source of fiber. Choose tomatoes that are ripe and firm.
Sweet mini peppers, orange preferably: Sweet mini peppers are a variety of bell pepper that is small, sweet, and colorful. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, and they are also a good source of fiber. Orange bell peppers are a good source of beta carotene, an antioxidant that can help protect your eyes from damage.
Fruit:
Handful of dried cranberries: Dried cranberries are a good source of vitamins C and E, and they are also a good source of fiber. They are a sweet and tart addition to the salad.
Dressing is optional:
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat that can help lower your cholesterol levels.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar has a tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the dried cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a tangy flavor that adds depth to the salad dressing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Dried oregano has a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the salad.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the salad.
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomato, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and dried cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes and Tips:
- For a spicier salad, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- This salad is also delicious with grilled chicken or fish.
- If you don’t have dried cranberries, you can substitute chopped fresh cherries or raisins.
Benefits:
- This salad is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
- It is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
- The dried cranberries add a boost of antioxidants to the salad.
Dietary Restrictions
Sure, here are the dietary restrictions for the Cucumber, Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers and Dried Cranberries Salad recipe:
- Vegetarian: This salad is vegetarian as it does not contain any meat or poultry.
- Vegan: This salad is vegan as it does not contain any animal products, including meat, poultry, dairy, or eggs.
- Gluten-free: This salad is gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
- Dairy-free: This salad is dairy-free as it does not contain any dairy products.
- Kid-friendly: This salad is kid-friendly as it is easy to make and eat. It is also a good source of nutrients that kids need.
- Paleo: This salad is not paleo as it contains dried cranberries, which are a type of fruit. Paleo diets do not allow for any grains, legumes, or processed foods.
- Whole30: This salad is not Whole30 as it contains dried cranberries, which are a type of dried fruit. Whole30 diets do not allow for any grains, legumes, dairy, sugar, alcohol, or processed foods.
- Keto: This salad is keto-friendly as it is low in carbohydrates and high in fat.
- Low-fat: This salad is low in fat as it is made with olive oil and a small amount of Dijon mustard.
- Low-calorie: This salad is low in calories as it is made with low-calorie ingredients.
Please note that these are just general guidelines. It is always best to check with your doctor or a registered dietitian to make sure that a particular diet is right for you.
How to Make This Salad Even More Nutritious
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or mint.
- Use a variety of different colored bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
- Add some cooked quinoa or lentils to make this salad a more filling meal.
This salad is a delicious and healthy way to get your daily dose of vegetables and fruits. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Enjoy!
Stay healthy with a refreshing salad made with cucumber, tomatoes, sweet peppers and dried cranberries.
Source:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/cucumber-varieties-4069657
Cucumber, Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers and Dried Cranberries Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- One cucumber English or garden cucumber
- 2 large tomatoes cut large and seeds removed
- 2 – 4 sweet mini peppers orange preferably
- Handful dried cranberries
Instructions
- Wash and dry cucumber. Whether you are using an English cucumber or a garden cucumber, you may completely remove the skin, part of the skin or leave it one. It is just matter of preference. With a garden cucumber remove the seeds.
- Slice the cucumber thin and set aside.
- Cut the tomatoes in medium to large pieces, remove seeds and set aside.
- Cut and slice the peppers, remove the seeds and membrane and set aside.
- In a serving bowl, add cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, and cranberries. Tossed and serve.
- May be stored in the refrigerator until serving. Must be eating within 24 hours for freshness.
Notes
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.
