Summer Pepper Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 red bell peppers
• 2 yellow bell peppers
• 1 cucumber
• 1 small red onion
• 10 cherry tomatoes
• 100 g black olives (pitted)
• 150 g feta cheese (optional; for a vegan version, you can omit this or use vegan feta)
• 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers:

   • Wash the bell peppers, remove the stems and seeds, and cut them into strips or cubes, depending on your preference.

2. Prepare the Other Ingredients:

   • Wash and cut the cucumber into thin slices or cubes.
   • Thinly slice the red onion.
   • Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
   • If using feta, crumble it into pieces.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine the bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and black olives.
   • Add the crumbled feta if using.

4. Dress the Salad:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste.
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
   • Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour to let the flavors meld.