Say hello to your new obsession: Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad. Inspired by the latest TikTok salad trend, this colorful, crunchy creation is everything a good summer side dish should be—fresh, bold, and ridiculously easy to throw together. It’s the perfect combo of texture and flavor, thanks to the chili crisp heat, tangy ginger sesame dressing, and that magic sprinkle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
If you’re someone who scrolls food TikToks for fun (guilty!), you’ve probably seen versions of this viral salad pop up. And there’s a reason it’s making the rounds. It takes just minutes to prep, but the flavor is huge. Plus, you can customize it depending on your cravings—spicy, creamy, or even topped over cottage cheese for a protein-packed snack.
Why You’ll Love This TikTok Salad
- Crazy quick to prep (we’re talking 10 minutes max)
- Loaded with crunchy texture and vibrant colors
- A cool and spicy summer side dish
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free (unless you go the cottage cheese route)
- TikTok-tested, foodie-approved
Ingredients
- 3–4 mini cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
- 6–7 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow), sliced thin
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chili crisp oil (e.g., Fly By Jing)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) ginger sesame dressing (e.g., Bragg’s)
- 2½ tsp (7 g) Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (more to taste)
How to Make It
- Slice the mini cucumbers and bell peppers into thin rounds. Add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle in the chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing.
- Sprinkle in the Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
- Toss everything well to make sure every bite gets flavor-packed.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry.
- Serve cold—and get ready for compliments.
Optional Add-On:
Serve it over 240 g (1 cup) of cottage cheese for a creamy, protein-rich snack (not dairy-free).
Tips to Maximize the Flavor
- Let it sit for a bit. Chilling helps the flavors soak in and meld.
- Adjust the spice by adding more or less chili crisp.
- If you don’t have mini veggies, just use regular cucumbers and bell peppers—slice thin!
- Add a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist.
- Want even more crunch? Toss in some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
TikTok Made Me Make It
I stumbled across this salad during one of those “I’ll just watch one more” TikTok scroll sessions. You know the kind. I tried it the next day, and now it’s in regular rotation. Even my skeptical teenager devoured it and asked for seconds. Any salad that doubles as a snack and a side? I’m all in.
What to Serve with This Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad
This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even a big rice bowl. It’s also a fantastic potluck or picnic side that holds up well without wilting. I love it alongside fish tacos, teriyaki chicken, or veggie stir-fry.
How to Store Your Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The veggies stay surprisingly crisp, and the flavor gets even better with time. Give it a good toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally. Just mix it up and chill. It’s even better after a few hours.
Is chili crisp super spicy?
It varies by brand, but most have more flavor than heat. Start small and adjust.
Can I use a different dressing?
Sure! Anything with Asian-inspired flavors will work—think miso, sesame, or soy ginger.
Is this salad dairy-free?
Yes—as long as you skip the optional cottage cheese topping.
Your New Favorite Summer Side Dish
Fresh, crunchy, spicy, and totally addicting, this Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad is everything you want in a warm-weather dish. Whether you’re following the TikTok trend or just need a flavorful way to use up summer produce, this salad brings the wow. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked.
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Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This viral TikTok-inspired Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad is a crunchy, spicy, and refreshing summer side dish made with just a few bold ingredients. Tossed with chili crisp, ginger sesame dressing, and Everything But The Bagel seasoning, it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed salad that’s quick to make and naturally vegan.
Ingredients
-
3–4 mini cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
-
6–7 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow), sliced thin
-
2 tbsp (30 ml) chili crisp oil (e.g., Fly By Jing)
-
60 ml (¼ cup) ginger sesame dressing (e.g., Bragg’s)
-
2½ tsp (7 g) Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (more to taste)
Optional Add-On:
-
240 g (1 cup) cottage cheese (for serving, not dairy-free)
Instructions
-
Slice mini cucumbers and bell peppers into thin rounds. Add to a large bowl.
-
Drizzle with chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing.
-
Sprinkle in Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
-
Toss until all veggies are evenly coated.
-
Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
-
Serve cold, optionally over cottage cheese.
Notes
Chill before serving for deeper flavor.
Adjust spice by controlling the amount of chili crisp.
Regular cucumbers and bell peppers can be used if mini are unavailable.
Add lime juice, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for extra flair.
Naturally dairy-free unless served with cottage cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-Inspired