The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is the perfect summer side dish! This vibrant and refreshing salad is easy to make and ideal for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying at home. With just five ingredients and a quick preparation time of 10 minutes, this salad not only delivers on flavor but also celebrates the natural crunch of fresh vegetables. Its unique blend of sweet, spicy, and savory elements will impress your friends and family, making it a must-try recipe this season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Crisp and Refreshing: The combination of cucumbers and bell peppers offers a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for hot summer days.
- Versatile Options: Serve it as a side dish, an appetizer, or even a high-protein snack with cottage cheese.
- Minimal Ingredients: Using just five simple ingredients makes shopping and preparation straightforward.
- Flavor Packed: The chili crisp oil and Ginger Sesame Dressing add layers of flavor that elevate this salad.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad efficiently, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and help achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your cucumbers and bell peppers, enhancing the presentation.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for slicing your ingredients.
- Large mixing bowl: This allows you to combine all your ingredients easily without spilling.
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 and bell peppers into thin circles. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even mixing.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add all sliced vegetables along with chili crisp oil, Ginger Sesame Dressing, and Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.
Step 3: Mix Well
Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. This salad can last up to four days in the refrigerator.
Optional Step: Add Protein
For an extra boost of protein, serve over one cup of cottage cheese if you are not following a dairy-free diet.
Enjoy your delicious Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad as a delightful addition to any meal!
How to Serve Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Serving this Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is simple and versatile. It can complement various dishes or stand alone as a refreshing snack. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this vibrant salad.
As a Standalone Snack
- Enjoy it directly from the bowl for a light and refreshing treat that keeps you cool on hot days.
Over Cottage Cheese
- For a protein boost, serve the salad over cottage cheese. This adds creaminess and extra nutrition, making it great for a post-workout snack.
In a Wrap
- Use the salad as filling in a wrap. Add your choice of protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
With Grilled Meats
- Pair the salad with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The crispness of the vegetables complements the smoky flavors perfectly.
As a Topping
- Use it as a topping on tacos or nachos. The fresh ingredients add crunch and flavor to your favorite Mexican dishes.
On Top of Rice or Quinoa
- Serve it over rice or quinoa for a filling dish. The salad’s flavors will enhance the grains nicely, making it hearty yet refreshing.
How to Perfect Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Getting your Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad just right is easy with these tips. Follow these guidelines for the best results.
- Choose Fresh Veggies: Select firm mini cucumbers and bell peppers for the best crunch and flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Tailor the amount of chili crisp oil to suit your taste preferences. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances its overall flavor by letting all ingredients meld together.
- Experiment with Dressings: While Ginger Sesame Dressing is recommended, feel free to try other dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or tahini for different flavor profiles.
- Add More Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust the Everything But The Bagel seasoning according to your taste. A little extra can elevate the dish significantly.
- Keep It Fresh: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to four days.
Best Side Dishes for Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
This refreshing salad pairs well with many dishes. Here’s a list of some fantastic side options that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds natural sweetness and smokiness, enhancing your meal’s summer vibe.
- Caprese Skewers: These skewers with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a creamy contrast to the crisp salad.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful balance of sweetness and saltiness alongside this fresh salad.
- Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad packed with herbs and lemon complements the freshness of your cucumber and bell pepper mix.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter add heartiness while contrasting nicely with crunchy veggies.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit medley brings sweetness and hydration, making it perfect for warm weather meals.
- Hummus Platter: Pairing with hummus and pita chips provides additional textures and flavors that work well together.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas are high in protein and add an exciting texture that’s perfect alongside this vibrant salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is easy, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the chill time: Allowing the salad to chill for 30 minutes enhances the flavors. Skipping this step can result in a less tasty dish.
- Over-slicing vegetables: Cutting cucumbers and bell peppers too thick can make them hard to eat. Aim for thin slices for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: The Everything But The Bagel Seasoning can vary in strength. Always taste your salad and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness is key in this salad. Ensure your cucumbers and bell peppers are crisp; otherwise, the salad won’t have that refreshing crunch.
- Neglecting dairy-free options: If you want a dairy-free version, skip the cottage cheese. This salad is still delicious on its own without it!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain freshness.
Freezing Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Not recommended for freezing: This salad contains fresh vegetables that do not freeze well.
- The texture may change drastically after thawing, making it unappetizing.
Reheating Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Oven: Not ideal since this dish is best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving as it will soften the veggies.
- Stovetop: Again, it’s best enjoyed fresh and cold; no reheating necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad so popular?
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is popular due to its refreshing taste, simple preparation, and vibrant colors that appeal to many food lovers.
Can I customize the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like radishes or carrots for added crunch or swap out dressings based on your taste preferences.
Is the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad healthy?
Yes! This salad is low in calories and packed with fresh veggies, making it a healthy choice for any meal or snack.
How do I make the salad spicier?
To make your Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad spicier, simply add more chili crisp oil or include sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also brings a refreshing burst of flavor that’s perfect for summer gatherings. With just five ingredients, you can customize this dish easily according to your preferences. Try adding different vegetables or adjusting seasonings to make it uniquely yours!
Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is a must-try summer dish that bursts with freshness and vibrant flavors. With just five ingredients, this colorful salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for picnics, barbecues, or a refreshing snack at home. In only 10 minutes, you can whip up this crunchy delight that balances sweet and savory notes thanks to the unique combination of chili crisp oil and Ginger Sesame Dressing. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed solo, your friends and family will rave about its delightful taste and satisfying texture.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3–4 mini cucumbers (sliced)
- 6–7 mini bell peppers (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
- 1/4 cup Ginger Sesame Dressing
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the mini cucumbers and bell peppers into thin circles.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced vegetables with chili crisp oil, Ginger Sesame Dressing, and Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.
- Toss gently until all ingredients are well-coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg