Here’s a fresh and vibrant Anti-Inflammatory Pickled Cucumber, Onion & Bell Pepper Salad recipe that’s quick to make, full of flavor, and packed with ingredients known to reduce inflammation. 🌿
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Vegetables:
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
Pickling Brine:
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (anti-inflammatory)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory)
- ½ tsp black pepper (enhances turmeric absorption)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, anti-inflammatory)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a kick)
Herbs & Extras:
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or parsley/cilantro)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (anti-inflammatory)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and thinly slice the cucumber, onion, and bell peppers.
- Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Pickling Brine:
- In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, honey, salt, turmeric, black pepper, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Heat over low heat until honey dissolves completely (do not boil).
- Let it cool slightly.
- Combine:
- Pour the warm (not hot) brine over the sliced vegetables.
- Toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Oil:
- Sprinkle chopped dill and drizzle olive oil over the salad.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top.
- Marinate:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is better for deeper flavor).
- Serve:
- Enjoy chilled as a side salad or a tangy topping for grilled proteins or grain bowls.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits:
- Turmeric & Black Pepper: Reduce inflammation and joint pain.
- Garlic & Onion: Contain compounds that fight inflammation.
- Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Apple Cider Vinegar & Lemon: Support digestion and alkalinity.
- Olive Oil: Healthy fats with anti-inflammatory properties.
If you want, I can also give you a shortcut version that tastes just as good and is ready in 15 minutes—no long marinating required. Do you want me to do that?