If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly easy salad to brighten up any meal, this Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad Recipe is an absolute gem. It combines the crisp sweetness of red, yellow, and green bell peppers with a zesty dressing that brings all the flavors together in a refreshing, colorful explosion. Perfect for summer barbecues, light lunches, or as a beautiful side dish, this salad is simple yet packed with flavor and texture that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, the ingredients for this salad are wonderfully straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating its delicious harmony. From the sweetness of the bell peppers to the tangy punch of lemon and the aromatic touch of fresh parsley, these ingredients together make a salad that’s both visually stunning and bursting with taste.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant red color for visual appeal and flavor depth.
- Yellow bell pepper: Brings a cheerful brightness and subtle sweetness that balances perfectly.
- Green bell pepper: Offers a slightly tangy, crisp contrast to the sweeter peppers.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth, rich base that helps meld the flavors without overpowering them.
- Lemon juice: The bright acidity that lifts the salad and enhances the freshness of the peppers.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the peppers and seasoning the dish just right.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and subtle spice to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a hint of herbaceous freshness and a lovely green contrast in the mix.
- Balsamic vinegar: Injects a rich, slightly sweet tanginess to round out the dressing beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Provides a mild, savory undertone without overwhelming the salad’s light character.
How to Make Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bell Peppers
Start by thoroughly washing each bell pepper under cold water, ensuring they’re clean and ready to shine. Carefully cut off the tops and bottoms, then slice down the sides to remove seeds and membranes. After discarding the inedible parts, slice each pepper into thin, even strips to create a uniform texture that lets each bite deliver a satisfying crunch and bursts of color. Place all the sliced peppers in a large bowl—this is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Add the Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over the colorful pepper strips, followed by a tablespoon of lemon juice. These liquids help bring moisture and brightness, allowing the crisp peppers to shine while also aiding in flavor absorption. Gently toss the mixture to make sure the peppers are evenly coated, which forms the foundation of the salad’s bright, zesty profile.
Step 3: Season and Layer Flavor
Sprinkle a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper across the salad. Add finely chopped fresh parsley for bursts of green freshness, then drizzle in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for that distinct tangy sweetness. Lastly, sprinkle a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder to add subtle savory depth. Mix everything thoroughly but gently, making sure the dressing and seasonings hug every pepper strip.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marry
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs a little boost—whether it’s more salt, a splash more lemon juice, or an extra pinch of pepper. Once you’re happy with the balance, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite more flavorful and refreshing.
Step 5: Final Toss and Serve
Just before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and seasonings. The Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad Recipe bursts with color and flavor at this stage, ready to bring a fresh, crisp contrast to any dish on your table.
How to Serve Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up this already stunning salad, consider garnishing with a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for an added nutty crunch. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crumbled feta can add another layer of deliciousness and texture that works wonderfully with the bell peppers’ sweetness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish, complementing their smoky flavors with its bright, fresh notes. It’s also fantastic alongside hearty grain bowls or served as a refreshing counterpoint to rich, creamy cheeses or dips.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell pepper halves as edible bowls—this makes for a festive presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. Alternatively, try layering it over mixed greens or tossing it into a pita pocket with hummus for a quick, vibrant lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply transfer the salad to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick snack on the go.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh due to the crisp texture of the peppers, so freezing is not recommended. Frozen bell peppers tend to become watery and lose their delightful crunch once thawed, which changes the salad’s overall appeal.
Reheating
Since this salad is delicious when served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and actually diminishes the fresh flavors and textures that make this dish so enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use different types of peppers in this Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic red, yellow, and green bell peppers provide a beautiful balance of sweetness and tang, feel free to experiment with orange or mini sweet peppers for a fun twist on color and flavor.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for many dietary preferences and needs without any modifications.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Thinly sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even some red onion can add interesting flavors and textures that complement the bell peppers nicely while keeping the salad fresh and vibrant.
How long will the salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the salad will maintain its freshness and vibrant flavors for about two days. Beyond that, the peppers may lose their crispness and the dressing might start to overpower the natural sweetness.
What can I serve with this Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad Recipe for a complete meal?
Pair it with grilled chicken or fish, quinoa bowls, or even as a topping for tacos or grain salads. Its bright flavors provide a refreshing contrast to richer, heartier dishes and make every meal feel a bit more special.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a simple yet striking dish that brings freshness, color, and flavor to your table, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad Recipe a try. Its bright, crunchy bell peppers tossed in a zesty dressing make it a memorable side that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your taste buds. Once you make it, this salad is sure to become a regular in your recipe collection!
Print
Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 10m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant and refreshing Tricolor Bell Pepper Salad combines crisp red, yellow, and green bell peppers with a tangy dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Enhanced with fresh parsley and aromatic garlic powder, this no-cook salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and colors, making it an ideal healthy side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 1 large green bell pepper
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Start by washing the red, yellow, and green bell peppers under cold water to remove any dirt or residues. Cut off the top and bottom of each bell pepper, then slice down the side to remove the seeds and membranes. Discard the seeds and membranes, and cut each pepper into thin, even strips, ensuring the slices are uniform for a consistent texture. Once all three bell peppers are sliced, place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Next, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the sliced peppers. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ensuring the peppers are evenly coated with the liquids. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the mixture, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the ingredients together gently, making sure the peppers are evenly seasoned.
- Add Parsley, Balsamic Vinegar, and Garlic Powder: Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley finely, and sprinkle it over the peppers in the bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder over the mixture. Stir everything together once more, ensuring the herbs, spices, and vinegar are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Adjust Seasoning and Chill: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference. Once the salad is properly seasoned, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to make sure everything is well mixed. The tricolor bell pepper salad is now ready to be enjoyed as a vibrant and refreshing side dish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced red onion or cucumber to the salad.
- You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder if preferred, finely minced and added with the parsley.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be prepared a few hours in advance to deepen flavors.
- To keep the salad crisp, avoid adding dressing until just before serving if preparing well ahead.
