15-Minute Fresh Mini Bell Pepper Salad
A crisp and colorful salad featuring sweet mini bell peppers sliced thin and tossed with fresh dill, tangy white vinegar, and olive oil. The simple vinaigrette enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers while the onions add a mild bite. Perfect as a light side dish for summer barbecues, potluck gatherings, or as a refreshing complement to grilled meats. This salad actually improves in flavor when refrigerated overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet multi-colored mini bell pepper
- ½ medium sweet onion or purple onion, thinly slicedred onion1:1sharp
Red onion adds more bite and color contrast
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 ½ Tbsp white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic saltminced fresh garlic plus salt1 clove garlic + 1/4 tsp salt per 1/2 tsp garlic saltfresh
Fresh garlic gives more intense flavor
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Remove tops and seeds from bell peppers, then cut in half lengthwise and slice into thin strips
- 2
Add thinly sliced onion and chopped fresh dill to the bowl with peppers
- 3
Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper to make dressing
- 4
Pour dressing over salad ingredients and stir well to combine
- 5
Taste and add more garlic salt if desired
Tips
Stack two bell peppers and cut two halves at a time to speed up prep work
The salad tastes even better after being refrigerated overnight as flavors meld together
Start with the suggested amount of garlic salt and adjust to your taste preference
Good to Know
Refrigerate in covered container for up to 3 days
Can be made up to 1 day ahead - flavors improve overnight
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish
Common Mistakes
Cut peppers uniformly thin to avoid uneven texture
Don't overdress the salad - start with less dressing and add more if needed
Substitutions
Fresh garlic gives more intense flavor
FAQ
Can I use regular bell peppers instead of mini peppers?
Yes, use 2-3 regular bell peppers and cut into thin strips. The flavor will be similar but pieces will be larger.
How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad stays fresh for up to 3 days refrigerated. The flavors actually improve after the first day as ingredients marinate.
Can I make this salad without onions?
Absolutely, simply omit the onions if you prefer. You could add thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch instead.