This Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe has quickly taken social media by storm, and for good reason! It’s the ultimate refreshing summer side: crisp, colorful, a little spicy, and bursting with flavor from the bold ginger sesame dressing and sassy chili crisp. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up an irresistibly crunchy and vibrant salad that tastes as good as it looks. Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe delivers freshness and a delicious twist in every bite.

Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a short list of thoughtfully chosen ingredients can come together to create something truly crave-worthy! Each brings its own magic, whether it’s color, crunch, or bold flavor, giving every forkful of this salad a unique pop and zing.

Mini Cucumbers: Look for mini or Persian cucumbers for the best crunch and a refreshing, juicy texture; slicing them thinly ensures every bite is perfect.
Mini Bell Peppers (orange, red, yellow): These sweet and colorful beauties brighten up the salad, adding natural sweetness and a stunning rainbow effect.
Chili Crisp Oil (such as Fly By Zing): This is the secret to irresistible heat and savoriness; adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Ginger Sesame Dressing (like Braggs): This dressing brings a tangy, nutty depth that ties the whole dish together—pre-made keeps it simple, but homemade works too!
Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: Far from ordinary, this flavor-packed blend adds a savory crunch and a little toasty vibe that makes people go back for seconds.

How to Make Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by slicing your mini cucumbers and mini bell peppers into thin, even circles. I always try to keep mine around a quarter-inch thick for the ultimate crispiness. The more uniform your slices, the prettier and more even your salad—plus, it makes every mouthful just right!

Step 2: Mix the Magic Together

Grab a roomy bowl and toss in your cucumber and pepper slices. Pour in the chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing, then sprinkle over the Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. Use tongs or clean hands to toss everything gently but thoroughly, so each piece gets coated in all the savory, spicy, and tangy goodness.

Step 3: Chill for Maximum Flavor

For the best version of this Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soak up the dressings and seasoning, resulting in deep, bold flavors that meld beautifully while the veggies stay super crisp.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Give the salad another little toss before serving. Taste and add more Everything But The Bagel Seasoning or a drizzle of dressing if you like things extra punchy. Optionally, scoop the salad over a cup of cottage cheese for a fun, high-protein twist if you don’t need it dairy-free. Enjoy immediately for best crunch!

How to Serve Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Add a final flourish with more Everything But The Bagel Seasoning sprinkled over the top, or toss in some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro for an herby, aromatic lift. Black sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions also look (and taste!) fabulous.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or tofu for a simple balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with anything from Asian-style noodle bowls to a classic summer picnic spread—think sandwiches, wraps, or pita chips.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon the Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe into lettuce cups for a playful appetizer, or layer it in mini jars for an Instagram-worthy potluck treat. For extra flair, try serving the salad atop a bed of mixed greens, or even as part of a colorful poke bowl creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad holds up remarkably well for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for meal prep—just be sure to give it a quick stir before enjoying again, as some of the dressing may settle to the bottom.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, since the cucumbers and peppers lose their lovely crunch and release a lot of water once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat—this Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just let it sit out for a few minutes if it’s overly chilled, and you’re ready to eat!

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers or bell peppers?

Absolutely! If you can’t find mini cucumbers or mini bell peppers, regular ones work just fine. Just slice them thinly and remove any tough seeds if needed. The look will be a bit different but the flavor and crunch will still be delicious.

What can I use instead of chili crisp oil?

If you don’t have chili crisp, try using a little toasted sesame oil plus a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a splash of sriracha for a different kind of heat. The chili crisp does add a unique savory crunch, but don’t worry if you need to improvise!

Is the Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, as written, this salad is both vegan and dairy-free (just skip the optional cottage cheese suggestion). Always check the dressing ingredients and chili crisp oil to make sure there aren’t any hidden animal products.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, letting it sit for 30 minutes to a couple of hours in the fridge allows all the flavors to mix and marinate. It’s a great salad to prepare in advance for meal preps or gatherings.

What are some fun toppings to try?

Extra crunch is always a win! A handful of roasted peanuts or cashews, crispy fried shallots, or even a sprinkle of furikake can make this Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe even more irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something zesty and refreshing, I can’t recommend making the Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad Recipe enough. It’s bright, simple, and totally crowd-pleasing—once you try it, you’ll want to make it on repeat. Give it a go and let your taste buds in on this social media sensation!