If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dish that captures the essence of summer, you’ve come to the right place! This Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is a game changer. With just five ingredients and a mere ten minutes of your time, you can whip up a salad that’s both sweet and savory. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something light yet satisfying.

What I love about this salad is its vibrant colors and refreshing crunch. It’s not just delicious; it also adds a beautiful pop to your table. Whether you serve it at a picnic or as a side at dinner, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With only 10 minutes needed, this salad is the ultimate last-minute dish.
Family-friendly: The crisp veggies and zesty dressing make it appealing for all ages.
Make-ahead convenience: Chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Flavor-packed: The combination of chili oil and sesame dressing creates a deliciously unique taste.
Versatile side dish: Perfect alongside any meal or as a refreshing snack on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to create this refreshing salad:

3-4 mini cucumbers (sliced)
6-7 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow – sliced)
2 tablespoons chili crisp oil (I use Fly By Zing)
1/4 cup Ginger Sesame Dressing (I used Braggs)
2 1/2 teaspoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (add more to taste)

Variations

The beauty of this salad lies in its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand:

Add some protein: Toss in some chickpeas or edamame for an added boost.
Try different dressings: Experiment with other dressings such as a tangy vinaigrette or tahini sauce.
Include more veggies: Add in shredded carrots or radishes for extra crunch and color.
Switch up the seasoning: Use taco seasoning or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

Step 1: Slice the Vegetables

Start by slicing your cucumbers and bell peppers into thin circles. This step is key because thin slices allow the dressing to coat each piece evenly. Plus, it makes for a beautiful presentation!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, add all your sliced veggies along with the chili crisp oil, Ginger Sesame Dressing, and Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. Give everything a gentle toss until well combined. This mixing brings all those fantastic flavors together!

Step 3: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully while keeping your salad refreshingly cool.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

After chilling, give your salad another gentle stir before serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, try serving it over cottage cheese for an extra creamy texture! This delightful salad lasts up to four days in the refrigerator—if it lasts that long!

Enjoy sharing this Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

Making this refreshing salad is a breeze, but these pro tips will help elevate your dish to the next level!

Choose fresh veggies: The quality of your cucumbers and bell peppers can make or break the salad. Fresh, crisp vegetables ensure a delightful crunch and vibrant flavor.
Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, feel free to reduce the amount of chili crisp oil. On the other hand, if you love it spicy, add more to really amp up the flavor profile!
Let it chill: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together. It also makes for a refreshing treat on a hot day!
Experiment with dressings: While Ginger Sesame Dressing is fantastic, feel free to try different dressings like a light vinaigrette or even a citrus dressing for a unique twist.
Store properly: To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its crunchiness and flavor for up to four days.

How to Serve Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to beautifully present your dish and make it shine at your next gathering.

Garnishes

Sesame seeds: Sprinkling sesame seeds on top adds a nutty flavor and extra texture that complements the ingredients perfectly.
Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped green onions provide a pop of color and an added layer of flavor that brightens up each bite.
Fresh cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs gives your salad an aromatic touch that enhances its freshness.

Side Dishes

Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber complements the flavors of this dish while adding protein and fiber.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: These skewers are perfect for those looking for something hearty. Marinated grilled chicken pairs well with the crispness of your salad.
Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with veggies and herbs offer a delightful crunch and are excellent for scooping up any leftover dressing.
Hummus & Pita Bread: Creamy hummus served with warm pita bread provides a satisfying contrast to the coolness of your cucumber and bell pepper salad.

Enjoy serving this delightful dish at your summer gatherings or as part of your weekly meal prep!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is perfect for meal prep! It’s a quick, refreshing dish that you can whip up in advance and enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
If possible, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for optimal freshness.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended, as it may affect the texture of the cucumbers and bell peppers once thawed.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold!
Simply take it out of the fridge, give it a good stir, and serve.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious salad.

What makes the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad so special?

The combination of crisp cucumbers and sweet bell peppers tossed in a flavorful chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing creates a harmonious balance of flavors. It’s quick to make and perfect for summer gatherings!

Can I customize the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or radishes for extra crunch. You can also swap out the dressing for your favorite vinaigrette or make it spicier by adding more chili oil.

How do I make this salad dairy-free?

To keep it dairy-free, simply skip the optional cottage cheese topping. The salad is delightful on its own!

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini cucumbers in this salad?

Yes, regular cucumbers work just fine! Just be sure to peel them if they have a waxy coating and slice them thinly for optimal flavor.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad lasts up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad as much as I do! It’s not only easy to prepare but also brings a burst of color and flavor to your table. Perfect for those warm summer days or anytime you’re craving something light and refreshing. Give it a try, share it with friends, and let me know how you like it!