The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is the ultimate summer side dish that will elevate your mealtime. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, it suits any occasion—from casual BBQs to elegant dinner parties. This salad is not only quick to prepare but also features a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will leave your taste buds tingling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad takes just 10 minutes to make, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh and Crisp: The mini cucumbers and bell peppers create a refreshing crunch that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish, appetizer, or even over cottage cheese for a protein-packed snack.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: Its colorful ingredients make this salad visually appealing on any table.
- Healthy and Low-Calorie: With only 132 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition to your meals.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- A large mixing bowl
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Sharp knife: Ensures easy slicing of cucumbers and bell peppers for uniform pieces.
Ingredients
The following ingredients are needed to create the refreshing Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad:
Fresh Produce
- 3-4 mini cucumbers (sliced)
- 6-7 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow; sliced)
Condiments
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil (I use Fly By Zing)
- 1/4 cup Ginger Sesame Dressing (I used Braggs)
Seasoning
- 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 the mini bell peppers into similar thin circles.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing 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 It Up
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- The salad can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Step 5: Optional Serving Suggestion
If you’re not dairy-free, consider serving this salad over cottage cheese for an added protein boost!
Enjoy this simple yet delicious Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad at your next gathering!
How to Serve Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
This refreshing salad is perfect for any summer gathering. You can serve it in various ways to complement your meals or enjoy it as a stand-alone snack.
As a Stand-Alone Snack
- This salad is light and refreshing, making it a great snack option on its own. Enjoy it chilled straight from the bowl.
With Grilled Meats
- Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. The crisp veggies enhance the flavors of smoky meats.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the salad over fresh greens like spinach or arugula for an added nutrient boost. It creates a colorful and healthy dish.
With Cottage Cheese
- For those not avoiding dairy, serve the salad over cottage cheese. This adds protein and creaminess, making it a filling snack.
As Part of a Charcuterie Board
- Include this salad on your charcuterie board alongside cheeses, meats, and crackers. It adds a vibrant touch and balances rich flavors.
How to Perfect Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
To make this viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and bell peppers will enhance the crunchiness and flavor of the salad.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes melds the flavors together beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add more Everything But The Bagel Seasoning based on your taste preferences.
- Try different dressings: Experiment with other dressings like vinaigrettes or tahini-based ones for unique flavor profiles.
- Add protein: Incorporate cooked shrimp or chickpeas for an additional protein boost if desired.
- Customize with herbs: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra freshness and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
This cucumber and bell pepper salad pairs well with many side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn complements the freshness of the salad perfectly.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds heartiness while keeping things light and nutritious.
- Caprese Skewers: These fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato skewers add Italian flair to your meal.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the spicy elements of your salad.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crunchy spring rolls provide an additional veggie option that is fun to eat.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks with garlic butter offer comfort alongside the lightness of your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad can be easy, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the chill time: Not allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes can result in less flavor. Chilling helps the ingredients meld together for a tastier dish.
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness is key! Ensure your cucumbers and bell peppers are crisp and vibrant. This enhances both taste and texture.
- Overloading on seasoning: Adding too much Everything But The Bagel Seasoning can overpower the other flavors. Start with the suggested amount and adjust as needed.
- Not slicing uniformly: Inconsistent slicing can lead to uneven textures and flavors. Aim for thin, even slices of cucumbers and bell peppers for a balanced bite.
- Ignoring dietary preferences: If serving guests, consider potential dietary restrictions. Offering a dairy-free option by skipping the cottage cheese can make this dish inclusive.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- The salad lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator without losing its crunch.
Freezing Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as cucumbers and bell peppers lose their texture when thawed.
- For best results, enjoy it fresh!
Reheating Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Oven: Not applicable; this salad is served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it will ruin the salad’s crispness.
- Stovetop: This dish is not meant to be heated; serve it cold for maximum enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad so popular?
The combination of fresh vegetables with chili oil and ginger sesame dressing creates a unique flavor profile that has captivated many TikTok users.
Can I customize my Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or radishes for extra crunch and color.
How do I make this salad vegan-friendly?
To make this salad vegan, simply skip the optional cottage cheese topping or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
What type of chili oil should I use?
You can use any chili oil you prefer, but brands like Fly By Zing add great flavor without overwhelming heat.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just remember to store it in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile. Its simple ingredients allow for various customization options, making it suitable for different tastes and occasions. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed alone, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to try making it yourself!
Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is the ultimate summer side dish that combines vibrant colors and refreshing flavors to elevate your mealtime experience. Perfect for any occasion—from backyard BBQs to elegant dinner parties—this salad is quick and simple to prepare, taking only 10 minutes! The delightful mix of sweet mini cucumbers and crunchy bell peppers is complemented by the zing of chili crisp oil and a hint of ginger sesame dressing, creating a taste sensation that will leave you craving more. At just 132 calories per serving, this healthy and visually appealing salad can be enjoyed on its own or paired with proteins for a complete meal.
- Total Time: 12 minute
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3–4 mini cucumbers (sliced)
- 6–7 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow; sliced)
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
- 1/4 cup Ginger Sesame Dressing
- 2.5 teaspoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Slice mini cucumbers and bell peppers into thin circles.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced vegetables, chili crisp oil, and Ginger Sesame Dressing.
- Sprinkle Everything But The Bagel Seasoning on top.
- Toss gently until well mixed.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 132
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use fresh vegetables for the best crunch. Customize with additional herbs or proteins like chickpeas or shrimp for extra flavor. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light snack.