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Hot Girl Summer Salad is the crunchy refreshing bowl I crave on warm days when I want something light that still fills me up. Loaded with crisp cucumbers pungent red onions sweet peppers creamy eggs and a burst of tangy Italian dressing this salad comes together fast and hits all the right flavor notes. Whenever friends are over this colorful salad disappears first.
I first tried this when hunting for a no-lettuce salad that would keep during a heatwave. The crunch and zing made it an instant favorite and now my sister demands it whenever she visits.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: bring a cold crunch and juicy bite Look for firm smooth skins and no soft spots
- Green bell pepper: adds sweet flavor and more crunch Pick peppers that are heavy with glossy skin
- Red onion: offers sharpness and color Go for onions with tight skin and no bruising
- Eggs: add creamy richness plus protein Freshest eggs make the best hard boiled slices
- Pepperocinis: provide a kick of tangy heat Choose bright yellow crisp peppers in brine
- Sunflower seeds: give a nutty crunch Always opt for unsalted roasted for best flavor
- Garlic powder: gives mellow depth Use fresh powder without clumps
- Black pepper: wakes up the flavors Always use freshly ground if possible
- Paprika: adds subtle spice and color Choose smoked for more depth
- Italian dressing: ties everything together with zest and herbs Whisk your own or grab your favorite bottled version
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Eggs:
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover completely with water Bring to a boil then simmer for ten minutes Transfer to cold water Cool shell and slice into rounds for even texture throughout the salad
- Chop the Veggies:
- Slice cucumbers into quarters for big crunch dice green pepper and thinly slice red onion A sharp knife prevents bruising and keeps veggies crisp
- Mix the Salad:
- In a big bowl combine cucumbers peppers onions egg slices pepperocinis and sunflower seeds Sprinkle in garlic powder black pepper and paprika Add Italian dressing last
- Toss and Chill:
- Gently toss everything together with clean hands or a wide wooden spoon This helps distribute flavors without smashing the eggs Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes This melds all the flavors together
- Serve:
- Give the salad a quick toss and taste for seasoning before serving Add extra pepper or dressing as desired
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One of my favorite ingredients is sunflower seeds You get crunch and little bursts of nuttiness in every bite My niece loves helping sprinkle them over the top and we always laugh watching her try to sneak extras
Storage Tips
Store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge where it stays crisp for up to three days If your fridge tends to dry things out layer a piece of parchment directly on top to help seal in moisture Always give it a gentle toss before serving again to refresh the dressing
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out the pepperocinis for mild banana peppers or omit them entirely for less heat If you have allergy concerns switch sunflower seeds for pepitas and use a dairy free Italian dressing if preferred Hard boiled eggs can be replaced with cubes of firm tofu for a vegan version
Serving Suggestions
This salad is delicious on its own but you can pile it into pita pockets as a sandwich add drained chickpeas for a heartier main or serve it alongside grilled chicken The bright colors make it a stunning addition to a summer brunch table
Cultural Context
Hot Girl Summer Salad grew popular on social media as the ultimate anti-lettuce salad for those who wanted more crunch texture and real staying power The fun name started as a meme but the flavor is seriously craveable making it perfect for sharing at gatherings
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I add more protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken or chickpeas make great additions, boosting protein while complementing existing flavors.
- → How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Refrigerate the salad and wait until just before serving to add the dressing for maximum crunch.
- → What alternatives work for Italian dressing?
Try balsamic vinaigrette, lemon-olive oil, or a light Greek dressing to switch up the taste profile.
- → How long does this salad stay fresh?
Store covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within three days for the best flavor and texture.
- → Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare components in advance and assemble or dress just before eating for freshness.