Crisp Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad

This crisp and vibrant cucumber and bell pepper salad became my summer obsession after seeing it everywhere on TikTok. The combination of crunchy vegetables with a sweet spicy dressing creates an explosion of flavor that elevates any meal with minimal effort.

I first made this salad for a backyard barbecue when I needed something quick but impressive. My guests couldn't stop raving about it and now it's requested at every gathering I host during the warm months.

• Mini cucumbers: these provide the perfect crunch and have less seeds than regular cucumbers making for a better texture in the salad
• Mini bell peppers: their natural sweetness balances the spicy elements and adds gorgeous color to the dish
• Chili crisp oil: the secret ingredient that gives this salad its addictive quality with layers of flavor and gentle heat
• Ginger sesame dressing: ties everything together with sweet savory notes that complement the vegetables perfectly
• Everything But The Bagel seasoning: adds texture and an umami punch that elevates the entire salad

How To Make Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

Prep the vegetables:

Slice your mini cucumbers and bell peppers into thin uniform circles about 1/8 inch thick. The thin slices allow the dressing to penetrate each piece completely while maintaining the perfect crunch.

Combine ingredients:

Place your sliced vegetables in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the chili crisp oil ensuring you get some of the crunchy bits too. Add the ginger sesame dressing starting with less than the recipe calls for so you can adjust to taste. Sprinkle the Everything But The Bagel seasoning evenly over the top.

Toss and marinate:

Gently fold all ingredients together making sure every vegetable slice gets coated with the dressing mixture. For best results refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften slightly while still maintaining their crunch.

The chili crisp oil is what transforms this from an ordinary salad to something extraordinary. I keep a jar in my pantry at all times now after discovering how it enhances practically anything. The first time my mother tried this salad she immediately asked for the recipe and now makes it weekly for her lunch meal prep.

Make It A Meal

Turn this refreshing side into a complete meal by adding protein. Grilled chicken thinly sliced steak or even tofu cubes work beautifully with these flavors. For a heartier option stir in some cooked and cooled soba noodles or rice noodles to create a substantial lunch bowl that still feels light and refreshing. The sweet spicy dressing works surprisingly well with many proteins making this incredibly versatile.

Ingredient Substitutions

Dont worry if you cant find the exact ingredients called for in this viral recipe. Regular cucumbers work fine just remove the seeds first to prevent excess moisture. Any color bell peppers provide the same sweet crunch so use what you have on hand. If you cant find chili crisp oil substitute with a tablespoon of olive oil mixed with red pepper flakes and a touch of soy sauce. For the ginger sesame dressing any Asian style dressing with sweet notes will work or make your own with rice vinegar sesame oil and a touch of honey.

Seasonal Variations

While this salad shines brightest in summer when vegetables are at their peak you can enjoy it year round with seasonal tweaks. In fall try adding thinly sliced apple for sweetness and tart contrast. Winter versions benefit from additions like pomegranate seeds for bursts of juicy flavor. Spring calls for tender snow peas or sugar snap peas added to the mix. The base flavors work beautifully with many vegetables making this a template you can adapt throughout the year based on what looks freshest at your market.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad actually improves with a little time in the refrigerator making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare it up to 4 days ahead and store in an airtight container. The vegetables will soften slightly but maintain their pleasant crunch. If making far in advance consider adding the Everything But The Bagel seasoning just before serving to maintain its texture. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing that may have settled at the bottom.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives this cucumber bell pepper salad its distinctive flavor?

The distinctive flavor comes from the combination of chili crisp oil (like Fly By Zing) for heat, ginger sesame dressing for umami, and Everything But The Bagel seasoning which adds savory notes with sesame, garlic, and salt. These three ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

→ How can I turn this into a complete meal?

To transform this into a complete meal, add protein like cooked chopped chicken breast or rotisserie chicken. You can also mix in your favorite pasta shape such as bow tie, macaroni, fusilli, or penne. For a high-protein option, serve it over a cup of cottage cheese if you're not dairy-free.

→ Can I make substitutions if I can't find the exact ingredients?

Absolutely! Any Asian-style sesame dressing works well as a substitute for the Bragg's Ginger Sesame Dressing. If you can't find Everything But The Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe's, many supermarkets carry similar alternatives. You can also use regular cucumbers instead of mini ones - just remove some of the seeds if they're particularly watery.

→ How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

This salad can be prepared up to 4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It actually benefits from chilling for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

→ Is this salad suitable for dietary restrictions?

The basic salad is dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by ensuring your chili crisp oil and sesame dressing are gluten-free (check labels). It's naturally vegetarian, though not vegan if using certain chili crisp oils that contain trace animal products. For those watching calories, you can reduce the amount of oil and dressing used.

→ What are the best occasions to serve this cucumber bell pepper salad?

This refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or Asian-inspired main dishes. It's also an excellent make-ahead option for meal prep or a light lunch on hot days when you want something cooling and flavorful.