Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is pure vibrant joy in a bowl, bursting with crunch, color, and a dazzlingly bold flavor that will make you crave salads like never before! Wonderfully quick to make in just 10 minutes, this internet-famous dish combines crisp mini cucumbers and bell peppers with a spicy-sesame punch, thanks to chili crisp and ginger sesame dressing, and gets a final sprinkle of “Everything But the Bagel” magic. It’s a high-protein, satisfying snack or a fresh side dish that disappears in a flash, whether you eat it straight out of the fridge or dressed up as a full meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is how a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients bring wild texture and flavor. Don’t skip any of them! Each element plays a special role: from the juicy crunch of cucumbers, the sweet bite of mini peppers, to those bold seasonings that push this salad over the top.

• Mini cucumbers (3-4, sliced): These provide a fresh, juicy crunch and are less watery than regular cucumbers, which helps the salad stay crisp.
• Mini bell peppers (6-7, sliced): Use a mix of orange, red, and yellow for a rainbow of color and sweet, snappy flavor.
• Chili crisp oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a balanced kick of heat, spices, and umami; use your favorite brand for a personalized touch.
• Ginger sesame dressing (1/4 cup): This gives tang, zest, and nutty depth; feel free to use any Asian-inspired sesame dressing you enjoy.
• Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (2 1/2 teaspoons, or more to taste): A savory, crunchy seasoning mix bringing garlic, sesame, and poppy seeds for serious bagel shop vibes.

How to Make Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

Step 1: Slice Your Veggies

Start with the freshest mini cucumbers and bell peppers you can find. Give them a good rinse, then slice them into thin circles — the thinner, the better for maximum crunch and dressing-to-veg ratio in every bite. Pile them straight into a large mixing bowl. If you love colors as much as I do, arrange the bell peppers as you slice for a gorgeous confetti effect.

Step 2: Add All the Flavor Makers

Drizzle the sliced veggies with your chili crisp oil, then pour in that gingery-sesame dressing. Don’t forget to shower it all with the Everything But The Bagel seasoning! This part is honestly addictively fun, and you’ll see the salad come to life before you even give it a stir.

Step 3: Toss to Combine

Use a big spoon (or, if you love it rustic, your clean hands!) and gently toss everything together. Make sure every cucumber and pepper slice gets a glossy coat of dressing and those tangled flecks of bagel seasoning. Taste here and add more chili crisp or seasoning if your heart desires.

Step 4: Chill for Peak Flavor

While it’s ridiculously tempting to dig in immediately, chilling the salad for 30 minutes truly lets all those bold flavors meld and the vegetables stay crisp but juicy. Slide the bowl into the fridge and let anticipation build!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once your Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is properly chilled, give it another light toss. Yes, you can absolutely eat it alone for a crunchy, punchy snack, but those extra serving tips below will elevate it even more.

How to Serve Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

Garnishes

For maximum flair and flavor, top your salad with an extra sprinkle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning just before serving. Some chopped fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, or green onion add even more pop, and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds makes everything look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This salad is happy to play sidekick to almost anything! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, seared salmon, or tofu for a light meal, or pair it with some hot rice or crispy noodles for a fun textural contrast. It’s also a perfect pop of freshness next to heavier, saucy Asian dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad loves showing off! Try piling it over a bed of cottage cheese for a protein-packed snack, or scoop it onto crunchy lettuce leaves for a handheld bite. You can even add some chopped rotisserie chicken or toss in cold pasta shapes to turn it into a hearty, colorful main dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen beautifully with a little time, but the veggies will still stay surprisingly crisp. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the delicious dressing and seasoning.

Freezing

This salad is not a friend to the freezer since cucumbers and bell peppers don’t thaw well. Freezing tends to make them mushy, losing that signature crunch that makes the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad so special. Enjoy it fresh and refrigerated only!

Reheating

This is truly a cold and crunchy salad, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, serving chilled is part of the addictive experience. If you do want it closer to room temperature, just let it sit out on the counter for a few minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers or bell peppers?

Absolutely! If you can’t find mini cucumbers or mini bell peppers, you can use regular ones. Just slice them thin and, if using larger cucumbers, consider removing the seeds for the best texture.

What can I substitute for Everything But The Bagel seasoning?

If you don’t have this seasoning mix, try combining sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt for a homemade version. It’s super customizable!

Is Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad vegan?

Yes, as written this salad is completely plant-based. Just make sure your chosen ginger sesame dressing and chili crisp oil are vegan (most are, but always check labels if needed).

How spicy is this salad?

The heat level depends on both the brand and amount of chili crisp you use. Start with less if you prefer mild flavor, then add more for a spicier kick. You truly control the fire here!

Can I make this a meal instead of a side?

Definitely! You can bulk up your Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad by adding cooked chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even pasta. Tossing in protein turns it into a satisfying lunch or dinner salad.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad enough — it’s colorful, crunchy, packed with bold flavors, and disappears at every gathering! If you’ve been hunting for a salad that’s as fun to eat as it is fast to make, this is the one to try. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself; you’ll love every spicy, tangy, crispy bite!

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