Name: Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 3–4 mini (Persian) cucumbers, thinly sliced; 6–7 mini sweet bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), sliced; 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil; ¼ cup ginger sesame dressing; 2½ teaspoons everything but the bagel seasoning

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I’m excited to share this refreshingly crunchy salad—it’s a viral TikTok sensation featuring crisp cucumbers and colorful bell peppers tossed in a sweet‑spicy sesame dressing. It’s ready in about 10 minutes, and perfect for summer sides or snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad is vibrant and so easy—it only needs five ingredients and minimal effort. The combination of sweet mini peppers, cool cucumbers, ginger‑sesame dressing, spicy chili oil, and that unforgettable savory “Everything But the Bagel” twist makes it endlessly addictive. I often make it ahead and stash it in the fridge, ready to brighten any meal or gathering.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3–4 mini (Persian) cucumbers, thinly sliced
6–7 mini sweet bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), sliced
2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
¼ cup ginger sesame dressing
2½ teaspoons everything but the bagel seasoning

directions

Slice the cucumbers and bell peppers into thin, bite‑sized pieces.
Toss together cucumbers, peppers, chili oil, ginger sesame dressing, and everything bagel seasoning in a bowl until everything is well coated.
Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Stir again before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep time: ~10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 40 minutes
Serves: 4 side‑dish portions

Variations

I make it a main dish by adding chopped cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or cooked pasta like bow ties or fusilli.
I add extra texture with green onions, thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, or crumbled feta cheese.
When I want a milder version, I swap the chili oil with olive oil.

storage/reheating

I store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to 4 days. Before serving, I always give it a good stir. There’s no reheating—just serve chilled and crisp.

FAQs

What if I don’t have mini cucumbers?

I sometimes use sliced English cucumbers instead—just peel them if I want to reduce bitterness.

Can I use other dressings if I don’t have ginger‑sesame?

Yes—I’ve replaced it with other Asian-style sesame dressings and it still tastes great.

Is there a vegan or dairy‑free version?

Yes—all the main ingredients are vegan and dairy-free. I just avoid any cheese add-ins if I want to keep it that way.

Can I prep this salad ahead of time?

Definitely. I like to make it the night before. It gets even better as the flavors soak in.

How spicy is it, and can I adjust it?

The chili oil gives moderate heat. I usually start with a small amount and add more if I’m in the mood for a kick. Olive oil works great if I want zero spice.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this salad because it’s quick, colorful, and refreshingly light—while also full of flavor. I’m always experimenting—sometimes adding chicken, swapping ingredients, or serving it over cottage cheese for an extra‑protein snack. Make it your own, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your summer rotation!

Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 side-dish portions
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A vibrant, refreshing salad made with crisp cucumbers and colorful mini bell peppers, tossed in a sweet-spicy sesame dressing with a savory seasoning twist. It's quick to prepare and perfect for a summer side or healthy snack.

Ingredients

3–4 mini (Persian) cucumbers, thinly sliced
6–7 mini sweet bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), sliced
2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
¼ cup ginger sesame dressing
2½ teaspoons everything but the bagel seasoning

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Instructions

Slice the cucumbers and bell peppers into thin, bite‑sized pieces.
Toss together cucumbers, peppers, chili oil, ginger sesame dressing, and everything bagel seasoning in a bowl until well coated.
Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Stir again before serving.