Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad

I'm sure by now you've heard the term "Girl Dinner." Typically it consists of Caesar salad, truffle fries and a martini.  Sometimes it involves oysters and champagne too.  One of our local restaurants even offers a "girl dinner" happy hour with the aforementioned items sharable for a group of girlfriends.  While that all sounds delicious, my favorite "girl dinner" is some type of Asian salad.  Mainly because Mr. Devilish Dish doesn't like it so it's a rare treat I get to enjoy when he's not home for dinner.  My go-to meal when he's away is typically my Asian Chicken Chopped Salad, but lately I've been enjoying this Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad. This recipe has been circulating on social media for several years, with variations featuring chicken, tuna, and even sushi nori.  But I love it as is. Fresh mini cucumbers and sweet peppers with everything bagel seasoning, chili crisp, and of course my own Japanese Restaurant Style Ginger Salad Dressing.  Most of the online recipes use a store-bought dressing, but I really like using my own homemade dressing on this recipe.  It's so simple to put together, and the crisp veggies are so colorful.  It is an ideal side dish for any Asian meal, but I've made it plenty of times as a side for barbecue dinners or cook-outs as a side dish for hamburgers and hot dogs. It is always a hit, as the fresh peppers are sweet, not at all spicy.  You can adjust the amount of chili crisp you add if you want a little more kick.  Not only is it perfect for a girl dinner, it is perfect for any dinner!

A crisp, colorful salad, ideal for any summer meal.

The Line Up.  Definitely make your own
Ginger Dressing.  It's worth it!

Slice your mini cucumbers.

Slice the mini sweet peppers.

Pour your Homemade Ginger Dressing over
the sliced veggies.  Toss together to combine.

Add the Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Add the Chili Crisp

Toss to combine.

Serve and enjoy for your own "girl dinner"

CUCUMBER & SWEET PEPPER SALAD

4 Mini Cucumbers, sliced
8-10 Mini Sweet Peppers, thinly sliced (I don't really worry about seeding them, the seeds kind of fall out on their own)
1/4 to 1/2 Cup Japanese Restaurant Style Ginger Salad Dressing (RECIPE HERE)
1 Tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning
1 Tbsp Chili Crisp (Chili Crisp is a condiment, similar to chili oil, but with the addition of crispy fried ingredients like garlic, shallots and chili peppers.)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Add sliced cucumbers and sliced peppers to a salad bowl.  Pour in salad dressing and toss until coated.  Add bagel seasoning and chili crisp. Season with salt and pepper.  Toss and enjoy immediately.  I think it tastes best fresh, but it can be stored up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.