Crunchy, colorful, and bursting with zesty flavor, the TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad is the ultimate internet sensation that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. This refreshing salad brings together vibrant veggies, a bold sesame ginger dressing, and those irresistible “everything bagel” flavors in just 10 minutes—no wonder it took social media by storm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Quick: From start to finish, you’ll have a bold, crunchy salad in just 10 minutes.
- Flavor Bomb: The combination of chili crisp, everything bagel seasoning, and sesame ginger dressing is unbeatable (and totally addictive!).
- Ultra Fresh & Colorful: Mini cucumbers and sweet peppers make every bite pop with texture and vibrant hues.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Swap in your favorite veggies or dialing up the heat—this salad plays by your rules.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad is that every ingredient truly shines and plays a special role. From crisp, juicy veggies to a crave-worthy homemade dressing, grab these simple staples for a salad that’ll be the talk of any table.
- Mini cucumbers: Their extra crunch and mild flavor are salad perfection—no need to peel!
- Mini sweet peppers: Not only do they add gorgeous color, but their subtle sweetness balances the zippy dressing.
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: This trendy sprinkle adds salty, garlicky, and oniony dimension to every bite.
- Chili crisp: A drizzle of this spicy, garlicky condiment brings a little heat and loads of umami.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The base for our dressing—choose a good-quality one for the best flavor.
- Unseasoned rice vinegar: Its mellow tang keeps the dressing fresh and bright without overpowering the veggies.
- Tamari or soy sauce: Brings salty savoriness and depth to the sesame ginger dressing.
- Maple syrup: A touch of pure maple sweetness softens all the bold notes in the dressing.
- Sesame oil: Even a small amount infuses the salad with an irresistible toasted aroma.
- Fresh garlic: Adds a little bite and sharpness—you only need one big clove.
- Fresh ginger: Just an inch of ginger root brings bright zing and warmth to the dressing.
- Black pepper: A pinch is all you need for subtle heat and balance.
Variations
The TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad is ridiculously easy to personalize. Mix and match veggies, switch up the heat or sweet elements, or use what you already have on hand for a unique twist every time!
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled tofu, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked shrimp for a light, balanced meal.
- Spicy Kick: Use extra chili crisp, a few red pepper flakes, or finely chopped jalapeño if you like it hot.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free Swaps: Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure your chili crisp is plant-based.
- Different Veggies: Sliced radishes, carrots, or snap peas add even more crunch and color.
- Citrus Burst: Swap some of the rice vinegar for a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice for zippy brightness.
How to Make TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad
Step 1: Whip Up the Sesame Ginger Dressing
Add all the sesame ginger dressing ingredients—olive oil, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper—into a blender. Blend until it’s silky, creamy, and all those fresh flavors combine into a magic elixir. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks a bit creamy and you can smell that garlicky-gingery goodness!
Step 2: Slice and Dice the Veggies
Grab your mini cucumbers and sweet peppers, then slice them into thin, bite-sized rounds. The thinner you go, the more the veggies soak up the dressing—and the more vibrant your salad will appear.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
In a big bowl, combine your sliced cucumbers and peppers. Drizzle on about ¼ cup of the dressing (save the rest for later). Sprinkle in the everything bagel seasoning and a teaspoon of chili crisp. Toss everything well so each veggie gets coated with flavor-packed goodness.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste! Now’s your moment to make it your own. Want more zing? Add another splash of dressing. Craving extra crunch or spice? Sprinkle on more bagel seasoning or chili crisp until you hit that perfect balance.
Pro Tips for Making TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad
- Veggie Uniformity: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut cucumbers and peppers into even slices—they’ll absorb the dressing better and look gorgeous!
- Dressing Mastery: For the creamiest dressing, blend the ginger and garlic thoroughly—you don’t want any big chunks disrupting your crunchy bites.
- Customize Your Heat: Some chili crisps are hotter than others—start with a small amount, then taste and add more as you like.
- Make Ahead Magic: Mix the dressing and slice the veggies in advance, but toss them together right before serving to keep everything ultra-crisp.
How to Serve TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad
Garnishes
Scatter extra everything bagel seasoning or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds right before serving for added crunch and a pop of flavor. Thinly sliced scallions or a few fresh cilantro leaves make for a bright, herby finish.
Side Dishes
TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad is a brilliant partner for grilled meats, roasted salmon, or tofu skewers. It’s equally welcome next to a bowl of steamed rice or as a snappy topping for Asian-inspired wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held bite, or layer the salad in a glass jar for meal prep on the go. For parties, pile it onto a platter with extra dressing and crunchy toppings for guests to personalize their own bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The veggies will mellow and soak up the flavors, though they may lose some crunchiness after day one.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad—those fresh cucumbers and peppers will turn watery and lose their snap. This recipe is all about that fresh, vibrant crunch!
Reheating
No reheating needed! TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad is at its best cold or slightly chilled. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
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Can I make TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the dressing and slice the veggies up to a day in advance. For the best texture, toss everything together just before serving so the salad stays crisp and fresh.
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What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
You can easily make your own! Mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of flaky salt. Or, just use your favorite crunchy topping for a similar effect.
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How spicy is TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad?
The chili crisp provides mild to moderate heat, but you can dial it up or down based on personal preference. Start small, then add more to achieve your perfect level of spice.
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Can I add other veggies to this salad?
Absolutely! Try adding thinly sliced radishes, carrots, or even snap peas. This salad loves a little improv—just keep the pieces bite-sized for easy tossing and eating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bright, bold, and delightfully crunchy, give the TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad a try! It’s impossibly easy, endlessly fun, and sure to become a regular in your fresh salad rotation. Don’t be surprised if it steals the show at your next meal—enjoy every zippy, colorful bite!
Print
TikTok Viral Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This TikTok viral cucumber and bell pepper salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy meal. Crisp cucumbers and sweet peppers are tossed in a flavorful sesame ginger dressing, creating a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad:
- 4 mini cucumbers, sliced
- 10 mini sweet peppers, sliced
- 1/2 Tablespoon Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Chili crisp
Sesame Ginger Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 large clove of garlic
- 1″ knob fresh ginger
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Make dressing: Add all dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Combine salad: In a bowl, mix cucumbers and bell peppers. Add ¼ cup of dressing, bagel seasoning, and chili crisp. Toss well to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
