Marinated Cucumber And Red Bell Pepper Salad
Description
This vibrant Marinated Cucumber and Red Bell Pepper Salad is a perfect balance of crunch and savory depth. The dish features crisp cucumber slices and sweet red bell peppers tossed with tender cellophane noodles, all coated in a light, oil-free Italian vinaigrette. Freshly minced basil and cilantro add a bright herbal note, while red chili flakes provide a gentle kick of heat. It is an excellent choice for a light lunch, a picnic side, or a refreshing accompaniment to heavier grilled dishes. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even more delicious the next day. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this vegan-friendly salad offers a healthy, low-calorie option that is both satisfying and visually appealing.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the dry cellophane noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender.
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Drain the noodles thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Break the noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces if they are too long.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red bell peppers, and cooked noodles.
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Add the minced basil, cilantro, and red chili flakes to the bowl.
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Pour the no-oil Italian dressing or vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to marinate.
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Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the marinated salad onto the lettuce bed and serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 15.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 3.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 3.5g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
- Sugars 1.6g
- Protein 0.9g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight. It travels nicely for picnics as it is not overly soupy.
Noodle Tip: Break the cellophane noodles into smaller pieces before cooking for easier mixing and eating. If you forget, you can cut them after cooking, but pre-breaking is more convenient.
Spice Level: The red chili flakes add a mild heat. Omit them or reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor, or increase for more spice.
Dressing Adjustment: Start with less dressing (about 3/4 cup) and add more if needed, as the vegetables will absorb some of the liquid. Using no-oil dressing keeps the salad light and healthy.