The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is the perfect summer dish that everyone is raving about! Its crisp and refreshing flavors make it an ideal side for picnics, barbecues, or even a light lunch. With just five ingredients and only ten minutes of prep time, this salad combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this vibrant salad will brighten your plate and tantalize your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with only five simple ingredients, it’s easy to find everything you need.
- Versatile Flavor: The balance of chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing gives a delightful kick that pairs well with various dishes.
- Unique Presentation: The colorful bell peppers and cucumber slices create a visually appealing dish that impresses at any gathering.
- Healthy Option: Low in calories but high in flavor, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large bowl: Essential for mixing all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing vegetables without damaging your countertops.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for uniform slices of cucumbers and bell peppers.
Ingredients
For the 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)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Step 1: Slice the Vegetables
- Begin by slicing the mini cucumbers into thin circles.
- Next, slice each mini bell pepper into thin rings or bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add the sliced cucumbers and bell peppers.
- Pour in the chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing.
- Sprinkle Everything But The Bagel seasoning over the top.
Step 3: Mix and Chill
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve as a refreshing side dish or snack.
- For an added protein boost, enjoy it over cottage cheese if you are not dairy-free!
Enjoy your delicious Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad!
How to Serve Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
This Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is a vibrant dish that can elevate any meal or occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just enjoying a quiet dinner, here are some delicious serving suggestions.
Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Chicken Skewers: Serve this salad alongside juicy grilled chicken skewers for a balanced meal.
- Shrimp Tacos: The refreshing flavors of the salad complement spicy shrimp tacos perfectly.
Create a Refreshing Wrap
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves and fill them with the salad for a crunchy, low-carb option.
- Pita Pockets: Stuff pita pockets with the salad and some hummus for added flavor.
Add Some Crunch
- Tortilla Chips: Serve the salad with crispy tortilla chips as a fun appetizer.
- Rice Crackers: For a gluten-free option, pair it with rice crackers for an interesting texture contrast.
Top Your Entrees
- Grilled Fish Tacos: Use this salad as a topping on grilled fish tacos for added freshness.
- Baked Salmon: Place the salad on top of baked salmon for a colorful presentation and extra flavor.
How to Perfect Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
To ensure your Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Flavors: Adjust the chili crisp oil to suit your spice level; more oil adds heat!
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cucumbers and bell peppers for the best crunch and flavor.
- Chill Time: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and textures.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste before serving; feel free to add more Everything But The Bagel seasoning if needed.
- Presentation Matters: Arrange the salad in layers for a beautiful display at gatherings.
- Experiment with Dressings: Try different dressings like tahini or vinaigrettes to switch up flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its fresh flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and complements the freshness of the cucumber and bell pepper.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: Creamy Greek yogurt dip provides a cooling effect that pairs well with spicy elements in the salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add warmth and are a perfect contrast to the chill of the salad.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet-savory balance that’s hard to resist.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes on skewers add an Italian twist that matches well with this dish.
- Mini Meatballs: Flavorful mini meatballs bring heartiness to your table, making it more satisfying overall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong type of cucumbers: Choose mini cucumbers for the best crunch and flavor. Regular cucumbers can be too watery and affect the salad’s texture.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with less and add more if needed to find the perfect balance.
- Not chilling before serving: Skipping the chilling step can result in a less refreshing dish. Allowing it to chill enhances flavors and makes it more enjoyable.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using wilted or old vegetables will ruin your salad. Always use fresh, crisp cucumbers and bell peppers for the best taste.
- Forgetting about seasoning adjustments: Everyone has different tastes, so don’t hesitate to adjust the Everything But The Bagel Seasoning according to your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep the salad separate from any toppings or extra dressing until ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Freezing Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers become mushy when thawed.
- Enjoy this salad fresh for the best taste and texture!
Reheating Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Oven: Not recommended; this dish is best served cold.
- Microwave: Do not microwave; it alters the texture significantly.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; serve fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad?
You can easily customize this salad by adding other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or different dressings based on your preference.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad lasts up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with this salad?
This refreshing salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light snack or appetizer.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is naturally vegan. Just skip any optional dairy toppings like cottage cheese.
What makes this salad viral?
The unique combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors along with its visual appeal makes this salad a hit on platforms like TikTok!
Final Thoughts
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is a delightful addition to any summer meal. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it versatile enough for various occasions, whether as a side dish or a quick snack. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or dressings to create your own version!
Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches. This salad features a delightful combination of mini cucumbers and colorful bell peppers, all brought together with a zesty chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing. With just five simple ingredients and a quick preparation time of only ten minutes, you can create a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether served as a side at barbecues, enjoyed in lettuce wraps, or paired with grilled proteins, this salad is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
- Total Time: 0 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Ingredients
- Mini cucumbers (3-4, sliced)
- Mini bell peppers (6-7, sliced)
- Chili crisp oil (2 tablespoons)
- Ginger sesame dressing (1/4 cup)
- Everything But The Bagel seasoning (2 1/2 teaspoons)
Instructions
- Slice the mini cucumbers into thin circles and the mini bell peppers into rings or bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and bell peppers.
- Drizzle the chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing over the veggies, then sprinkle the Everything But The Bagel seasoning on top.
- Toss gently until well mixed. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra texture. Adjust the amount of chili crisp oil based on your desired spice level. For a protein boost, serve the salad over cottage cheese.
