Irresistibly Fresh Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

My summer picnics completely changed after discovering this viral tiktok cucumber & bell pepper salad that takes fresh ingredients to another level.

Friends started begging me for the recipe after one taste.

Mediterranean flavors dance across crisp vegetable slices, creating an unexpected harmony of textures.

Bright colors make the dish pop on any plate.

Simple chopping techniques unlock maximum flavor potential in just minutes.

Quick assembly means you can whip this up faster than ordering takeout.

Each bite promises a refreshing crunch that will make you the star of any gathering.

All the Reasons TikTok Can’t Get Enough of This Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

• Super quick preparation means you can have this vibrant salad ready faster than ordering takeout.
• Colorful ingredients and zesty dressing make this dish a total hit at potlucks, summer gatherings, and casual dinner parties.
• Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients, adjusting spice levels, and adding protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
• Low-calorie, nutrient-packed vegetables combined with simple, wholesome dressing provide a guilt-free and refreshing eating experience.

TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Shopping List

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing base for the salad, best when English or Persian varieties are used for fewer seeds.
• Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color, choose firm and glossy peppers.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, tangy flavor and additional texture, can be adjusted for personal preference.

• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to the salad, low-sodium version works well.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, mild acidity to balance the dressing.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Garlic Powder: Offers consistent garlic flavor without raw garlic chunks.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and spiciness.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds complex, savory flavor with seeds and spices.
• Sriracha: Brings additional heat and depth to the dressing.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty, rich undertone to the overall flavor.

• Sesame Seeds: Provides textural contrast and nutty flavor, toasting enhances their taste.

Prepping the TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

Step 1: Chop Vibrant Veggies

• Thinly slice cucumbers into delicate half-moons
• Cut bell peppers into colorful thin strips
• Finely dice red onion for extra punch

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Dressing

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Sriracha
• Sesame oil

Whisk ingredients until perfectly blended

Step 3: Mix and Marinate

Pour dressing over chopped vegetables

Gently toss until every piece is coated with delicious sauce

Let salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to mingle

Step 4: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top

Give a final gentle toss

Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled

Enjoy this refreshing, crunchy salad that bursts with tangy and spicy notes

Tricks for a Crisp and Colorful TikTok Salad

• Enhance Flavor Absorption: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow vegetables to soak up the delicious seasonings completely.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes and sriracha according to your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spicy experience.
• Prep Ahead Trick: Chop vegetables and mix dressing separately, combining just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy salad.
• Boost Nutrition Options: Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Swap Veggie Variations: Experiment with different bell pepper colors or replace cucumber with zucchini for exciting texture and flavor combinations.

How to Keep TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The salad will release more liquid over time, so drain excess liquid before serving.
• Keep the salad cold in the fridge to maintain its crisp texture and prevent vegetables from becoming soggy.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers and bell peppers will lose their crunch and become watery when thawed.
• Gently drain any accumulated liquid and give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing before enjoying the leftovers.

Pair It Up: What Goes with the TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

• Grilled teriyaki chicken or salmon perfectly complements the salad's bright, tangy flavors, creating a balanced meal with protein and fresh vegetable crunch.
• Pair with a chilled Japanese sake or light green tea to mirror the salad's refreshing Asian-inspired dressing and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve alongside crispy vegetable spring rolls or edamame to add textural contrast and extend the Asian fusion experience with additional light, vibrant flavors.
• Add steamed white rice to absorb the delicious dressing and provide a neutral base that balances the salad's zesty and spicy elements.

Fresh Takes on TikTok’s Famous Salad

• Low-Sodium Remix: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or reduced-sodium tamari for a healthier sodium-conscious version.
• Vegan Friendly: Swap honey with agave nectar or maple syrup to ensure completely plant-based preparation.
• Herb Garden Blend: Add fresh chopped cilantro, mint, or basil for an extra burst of aromatic freshness and complexity.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate diced tofu, grilled chicken, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform the salad into a complete meal.

FAQs on the Viral Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

• Why is rice vinegar important in this salad?

Rice vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the vegetables and helps tenderize them, creating a more complex taste profile compared to regular vinegar.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Absolutely! It’s low in calories, packed with fresh vegetables, and contains beneficial ingredients like garlic, sesame oil, and bell peppers, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

• How spicy is this salad with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat that can be easily adjusted. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or omit them completely for a milder version.

Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool Mediterranean vibes bring this cucumber & bell pepper salad to life with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Refreshing ingredients create a perfect summer side that goes from kitchen to table in minutes, delighting anyone who craves light, colorful cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 English cucumber (or 2 Persian cucumbers), sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 0.25 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) honey
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sriracha

Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Meticulously wash cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue.
2. Using a sharp knife, create delicate, translucent slices of cucumbers and bell peppers – aim for uniform, elegant cuts that will absorb dressing beautifully.
3. Carefully julienne or finely chop red onion to provide a sharp, aromatic contrast to the crisp vegetables.
4. In a ceramic mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, everything bagel seasoning, sriracha, and sesame oil, whisking vigorously to create a harmonious, glossy dressing.
5. Transfer sliced vegetables into a spacious serving bowl, ensuring ample room for thorough mixing.
6. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetables, using a gentle folding technique to coat each slice evenly without bruising the delicate vegetables.
7. Generously sprinkle sesame seeds across the salad, creating a textural garnish that adds nutty complexity.
8. Allow the salad to rest for 7-10 minutes, enabling the vegetables to marinate and absorb the vibrant, tangy flavors of the dressing.
9. Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled for a refreshing, zesty side dish.

Notes

• Swap out honey for agave or maple syrup to create a vegan-friendly version of this refreshing salad.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes and sriracha amounts to suit personal spice preferences.
• Use mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, uniform vegetable cuts that enhance texture and dressing absorption.
• Marinate salad longer than 10 minutes for more intense flavor development, but avoid exceeding 30 minutes to prevent vegetable sogginess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg