Summer’s heat calls for a vibrant cucumber bell pepper salad that’s taking TikTok by storm with its crisp, refreshing flavors.
Cool cucumbers mingle with bright, colorful bell peppers in this viral sensation.
Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and zesty punch that keeps you coming back for more.
The recipe is ridiculously simple, requiring just a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep time.
You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quick lunch breaks.
Tangy dressing coats the vegetables, creating a light and irresistible side dish that’s sure to become your new go-to summer recipe.
Get ready to whip up this crowd-pleasing salad that’s about to become your latest obsession.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 70 kcal
Servings: 5
TikTok Bell Pepper Salad – Grab These Ingredients
For Fresh Base:
Mini Cucumbers: Crisp vegetable stars that bring a hydrating and light foundation to the salad, perfect for summer refreshment.
Mini Bell Peppers: Vibrant color warriors adding sweet crunch and nutritional punch, choose peppers with firm skin and bright, glossy appearance.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Chili Oil: Fiery condiment delivering warm depth and complex heat, select high-quality artisan brands for authentic taste experience.
Ginger Sesame Dressing: Aromatic liquid magic that binds ingredients with tangy, slightly sweet undertones, look for balanced and clean ingredient lists.
Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: Flavor-packed sprinkle introducing garlicky, oniony notes with delightful textural crunch, excellent for transforming simple dishes.
For Optional Customization:
Green Onions (Optional): Fresh herb booster that can add extra zesty dimension and crisp green accent if desired.
What You’ll Use to Make TikTok’s Salad
Cutting Board: Large, sturdy surface for safely slicing vegetables.
Sharp Knife: Essential for creating thin, even cucumber and bell pepper circles.
Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining and tossing salad ingredients.
Measuring Spoons: For precise dressing and seasoning amounts.
Serving Spoon: Helps mix ingredients gently and evenly.
Chop, Mix, Crunch: Instructions for Salad
Vegetable Preparation Slice cucumbers and bell peppers into delicate, thin rounds, creating a colorful canvas of fresh ingredients that promises a vibrant eating experience.
Flavor Fusion Toss the sliced vegetables in a spacious mixing bowl, generously drizzling with zesty chili oil, aromatic ginger sesame dressing, and sprinkle with everything but the bagel seasoning, ensuring each morsel is beautifully coated.
Flavor Infusion Refrigerate the salad for half an hour, allowing the ingredients to dance together and develop a harmonious blend of tangy and cool notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Serving Delight The salad is now ready to be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a perfect grab-and-go option for quick and delicious meals.
How to Switch It Up: Salad Tips
Quick Flavor Boost: Swap out chili oil for a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce to dial up the heat and add a personalized kick to your salad.
Protein Power-Up: Toss in some grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to transform this light salad into a complete and satisfying meal that keeps you full longer.
Herb Heaven: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, mint, or basil just before serving to add a bright, aromatic dimension that elevates the entire dish's freshness and flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, storing them in the refrigerator. Mix just before serving to maintain the crisp texture and prevent soggy vegetables, ensuring maximum crunch and taste.
Fresh Salad, Served Right
Fresh Fusion Feast: Top this vibrant salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a protein-packed meal that bursts with flavor and color.
Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Create a stunning appetizer spread by serving the salad with hummus, pita bread, olives, and feta cheese, transforming your simple salad into an exotic dining experience.
Quick Lunch Companion: Pack this salad in a mason jar for a convenient, refreshing work or school lunch that stays crisp and delicious until mealtime, keeping your midday meal exciting and nutritious.
Picnic Perfect Sidekick: Bring this chilled salad to outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or beach days as a light, zesty side dish that complements grilled meats and provides a cool, crunchy contrast to heavier foods.
Keep Your Salad Crisp & Tasty
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the salad in an airtight container to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant flavors. Seal tightly to prevent moisture absorption and keep vegetables crunchy.
Smart Meal Prep Approach: Prepare the entire batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. The salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated, making it perfect for busy schedules and quick lunches.
Temperature Maintenance Tip: Keep the salad chilled between 35-40°F to preserve its freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Use the coldest section of your refrigerator for optimal storage conditions.
Serving Suggestion Hack: Remove the salad from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop and ingredients to reach a pleasant, slightly cool temperature. Gently stir before plating to redistribute the dressing and seasonings.
Cool cucumber bell pepper salad combines crisp vegetables with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Refreshing ingredients mingle perfectly, creating a quick summer side dish that satisfies hunger and delights senses.
Ingredients
Scale
2 ½ tsps everything but the bagel seasoning
2 tbsps (29.6 mL) chili oil (Fly By Jing)
¼ cup (59.1 mL) ginger sesame dressing (Bragg’s)
6 mini bell peppers (orange, red, yellow), sliced
3 mini cucumbers, sliced
Instructions
Prep Vegetables: Slice cucumbers and bell peppers into uniform, thin rounds, creating a colorful and textural foundation for the salad.
Season and Dress: Combine vegetable slices in a large bowl, drizzling with chili oil, ginger sesame dressing, and everything but the bagel seasoning, then gently fold to ensure complete and even coating of the ingredients.
Marinate and Chill: Refrigerate the seasoned salad for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a crisp, refreshing profile while enhancing the overall taste complexity.
Final Touch and Serve: Give the salad a quick toss to redistribute dressing and seasonings, then serve chilled or store in an airtight container for up to four days, maintaining its vibrant texture and zesty flavor.
Notes
Slice Carefully: Use a sharp knife to create thin, uniform vegetable circles for a professional-looking and visually stunning salad presentation.
Dress Thoroughly: Gently fold ingredients to ensure each slice gets completely coated with seasonings, maximizing flavor distribution.
Marinate Patiently: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a more intense, complex taste profile.
Store Smartly: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Dietary Planning, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education, Content Development
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice.
Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating.
Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.
Emily Roberts
Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Dietary Planning, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education, Content Development
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating.
Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.