The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is the perfect summer side dish that will brighten up any meal. With just five ingredients and a quick 10 minutes of prep, you can whip up this refreshing salad that’s both sweet and spicy. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a picnic, or simply looking for a healthy snack, this salad is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Its vibrant colors and crisp textures make it not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad takes only 10 minutes to prepare, making it a breeze for busy cooks.
- Fresh and Crisp: The combination of cucumbers and bell peppers offers a refreshing crunch that’s perfect for hot days.
- Flavorful Kick: Made with chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing, this dish packs a flavorful punch.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or serve it over cottage cheese for added protein.
- Healthy Choice: Low in calories and packed with nutrients, this salad is a guilt-free addition to your meals.
Tools and Preparation
For making the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to simplify your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Refrigerator
Importance of Each Tool
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts through the vegetables, preserving their texture.
- Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing without spilling.
Ingredients
To make the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad, gather the following ingredients:
Fresh Vegetables
- 3-4 mini cucumbers (sliced)
- 6-7 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow – sliced)
Dressings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil (I use Fly By Zing)
- 1/4 cup Ginger Sesame Dressing (I used Braggs)
Seasoning
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (add more to taste)
How to Make Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Step 1: Slice the Vegetables
Start by slicing the cucumbers and bell peppers into thin circles. Make sure to keep uniformity in size for even mixing.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add all sliced vegetables along with the chili crisp oil, ginger sesame dressing, and Everything But The Bagel seasoning into a large bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Serve
After chilling, your salad is ready! You can enjoy it as is or serve it over cottage cheese if you’re looking for a high-protein option that’s still light and refreshing.
This Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad not only satisfies hunger but also impresses with its vibrant flavors. Enjoy!
How to Serve Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
This refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light snack. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
With Cottage Cheese
- Serve the salad over a cup of cottage cheese for a creamy, high-protein snack.
As a Topping for Grilled Chicken
- This salad adds a crunchy and tangy flavor that complements grilled chicken wonderfully.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the salad into large lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb wrap that bursts with flavor.
With Chips
- Pair it with tortilla chips for a delightful crunch and a fresh contrast to the salty chip.
On Top of Rice Bowls
- Add this salad to rice bowls for extra texture and freshness, making your meal more vibrant.
How to Perfect Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
To make this salad even better, follow these handy tips.
- Choose Fresh Vegetables: Use the freshest cucumbers and bell peppers you can find for the best flavor and crunch.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and improves the texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to tweak the Everything But The Bagel Seasoning based on your taste preferences.
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider tossing in some cooked quinoa or beans along with your vegetables.
- Experiment with Dressings: While Ginger Sesame Dressing works well, feel free to try other dressings that suit your taste.
- Garnish Creatively: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added color and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinated shrimp skewers complement the fresh crunch of your salad beautifully.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf adds protein and makes for a more substantial meal alongside the salad.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic bread provides a satisfying contrast to the crisp elements of your dish.
- Stuffed Avocados: Creamy stuffed avocados can balance out the acidity from the dressing in your salad.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer warm flavors that blend well with the coolness of your salad.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies can enhance the lightness of this refreshing dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the salad to chill can prevent the flavors from melding. Make sure to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Not slicing vegetables evenly: Uneven slices can lead to inconsistent texture. Aim for thin, uniform slices for even crunch.
- Overdoing the seasoning: Adding too much Everything But The Bagel seasoning can overpower the dish. Start with the suggested amount and adjust to taste.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality cucumbers or bell peppers can affect flavor. Choose fresh, vibrant vegetables for the best results.
- Forgetting optional ingredients: Skipping optional ingredients like cottage cheese can reduce protein content. If not dairy-free, consider adding it for a more filling snack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it may affect texture.
- Fresh ingredients are best enjoyed chilled rather than frozen.
Reheating Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm for about 5-10 minutes, but this is not recommended as fresh is better.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals if necessary, though it’s best served cold.
- Stovetop: This dish is meant to be enjoyed fresh and cold; reheating isn’t ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this salad, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered.
What makes the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad special?
This salad stands out due to its vibrant colors and unique blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a perfect summer side.
Can I customize the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies or proteins like chickpeas or tofu for added nutrition and variety.
How do I make the dressing for the salad?
You can buy Ginger Sesame Dressing or make your own with ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of honey.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to four days, making it great for quick meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is a delightful addition to any meal. Its refreshing taste makes it perfect for summer gatherings or a quick snack at home. Don’t hesitate to try different vegetables or dressings based on your preference!
Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is the ultimate refreshing summer side dish, perfect for elevating any meal. With just five simple ingredients, this salad bursts with flavor and color, making it ideal for barbecues, picnics, or a quick healthy snack. The sweet crunch of mini cucumbers and bell peppers harmonizes beautifully with the spicy kick of chili crisp oil and the rich notes of ginger sesame dressing. In just 10 minutes, you can prepare this vibrant dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also adds a delightful visual appeal to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 as a side dish.
- Category: Salad
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: N/A
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
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers and bell peppers into thin, uniform circles.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced veggies with chili crisp oil, ginger sesame dressing, and everything but the bagel seasoning. Toss gently until well mixed.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve as is or over cottage cheese for an extra protein boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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