Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is the perfect dish for your summer gatherings. Its crisp and refreshing flavor makes it an ideal side for barbecues, picnics, or even a light lunch. With just five ingredients and a quick prep time of 10 minutes, this salad stands out for its sweet, spicy, and savory taste. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a healthy snack at home, this salad will undoubtedly impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Minimal Ingredients: Using just five ingredients means you can make this dish without a trip to the grocery store.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or over cottage cheese for added protein.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing adds a unique twist that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Healthy Choice: Low in calories and packed with fresh vegetables, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad, you’ll need some essential tools. Preparing your ingredients properly will ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface to slice your veggies precisely.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for the cucumbers and bell peppers, enhancing presentation and texture.
- Large mixing bowl: Allows enough space to mix all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3-4 mini cucumbers (sliced)
- 6-7 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow; sliced)
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil (I use Fly By Zing)
- 1/4 cup Ginger Sesame Dressing (I used Braggs)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (add more to taste)
How to Make Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the cucumbers into thin circles.
- Slice the mini bell peppers into thin rings for even mixing.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers and bell peppers.
- Pour in the chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing.
- Sprinkle Everything But The Bagel Seasoning over the top.
Step 3: Mix and Chill
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Step 4: Serve
- Enjoy as is or serve over one cup of cottage cheese for a high-protein snack!
- This salad lasts up to four days in the fridge—perfect for meal prep!
How to Serve Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
This refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. Here are some creative ways to serve your Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad.
As a Standalone Snack
- Enjoy it as a light snack during hot days. It’s crisp and hydrating!
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens for an extra layer of texture and nutrition.
With Cottage Cheese
- For a protein boost, serve it on top of cottage cheese. This option is creamy and filling!
As a Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled meats or seafood. The salad’s crunch complements rich flavors beautifully.
In Tacos
- Use it as a fresh topping for taco night. It adds color and zest to your favorite fillings!
How to Perfect Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
To elevate your Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh mini cucumbers and vibrant bell peppers to enhance flavor and appearance.
- Adjust spice level: Add more chili crisp oil if you enjoy a spicier kick in your salad.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize dressings: Feel free to swap out the Ginger Sesame Dressing for any dressing you prefer.
- Add proteins: Include grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal option.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add an aromatic touch to your salad.
Best Side Dishes for Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Looking to complete your meal? Here are some fantastic side dishes that pair well with the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with spices bring protein and flavor balance.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf adds a nutty taste, perfect for complementing the fresh salad.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Crispy roasted sweet potatoes provide sweetness that contrasts nicely with the salad’s crunch.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread makes for a comforting side that everyone will love alongside this refreshing dish.
- Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with olives and feta offers a savory side that pairs well with the salad’s sweetness.
- Stuffed Avocados: Creamy avocados stuffed with black beans create a hearty yet healthy pairing that’s satisfying.
Enjoy creating your perfect meal around this vibrant summer salad!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad, it’s easy to go wrong. Here are some common mistakes you should watch out for.
- Ingredients: Using the wrong type of cucumbers or bell peppers can affect the flavor. Stick with mini cucumbers and colorful mini bell peppers for the best taste.
- Neglecting to Chill: Skipping the chilling step can result in a less refreshing salad. Always chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Overdoing Seasoning: Adding too much Everything But The Bagel seasoning can overpower the salad. Start small and adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Ignoring Freshness: Using wilted vegetables will ruin your salad’s crispiness. Always choose fresh produce for the best texture and flavor.
- Forgetting Optional Ingredients: Not considering additions like cottage cheese can limit your salad’s versatility. Explore different toppings to enhance your meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain freshness.
Freezing Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- This salad is not recommended for freezing as it loses its texture once thawed.
- Enjoy fresh for the best experience.
Reheating Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Oven: Not recommended as this dish is best served cold and fresh.
- Microwave: Not suitable; reheating will alter its crunchy texture.
- Stovetop: Avoid reheating; enjoy straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad.
What makes the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad special?
This salad is special due to its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a delightful summer side dish.
Can I customize my Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or different dressings to suit your taste.
How do I serve the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad?
You can serve it as a side dish, snack, or even over cottage cheese for added protein.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is not only easy to prepare but also versatile and delicious! With just five ingredients, you can create a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or quick meals. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings!
Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
The Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad is the ultimate summer side dish, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch. With its vibrant colors and refreshing crunch, this salad combines the sweetness of mini bell peppers and crisp cucumbers with a zesty twist from chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing. In just 10 minutes, you can create this delightful mix that not only impresses guests but also serves as a healthy snack option.
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 cucumbers into thin circles and bell peppers into rings.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and bell peppers.
- Add chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing; sprinkle with Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
- Toss gently until well combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
