Cucumber, Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers and Dried Cranberries Salad: A Refreshing and 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.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy this salad on its own with a slice of crusty bread or a side of ripe avocado for a simple, refreshing midday meal.
- With Grilled or Roasted Fish: Pairs beautifully with grilled snapper, salmon, or tilapia, adding a cool, crisp contrast to warm, savory flavors.
- Alongside Haitian Chicken en Sauce: The freshness of the salad balances the rich, spiced sauce and makes the meal lighter and more colorful.
- Next to Rice or Quinoa: Serve as a bright, tangy side dish to Caribbean-style rice and peas or vegetable quinoa for a satisfying vegetarian plate.
- Add a Gourmet Twist: Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese and a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for extra flavor and texture.
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, 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
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and dried cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for a crisp, refreshing bite.
Notes
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.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy this salad on its own with a slice of crusty bread or a side of ripe avocado for a simple, refreshing midday meal.
- With Grilled or Roasted Fish: Pairs beautifully with grilled snapper, salmon, or tilapia, adding a cool, crisp contrast to warm, savory flavors.
- Alongside Haitian Chicken en Sauce: The freshness of the salad balances the rich, spiced sauce and makes the meal lighter and more colorful.
- Next to Rice or Quinoa: Serve as a bright, tangy side dish to Caribbean-style rice and peas or vegetable quinoa for a satisfying vegetarian plate.
- Add a Gourmet Twist: Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese and a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for extra flavor and texture.
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.
