Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite refreshing side! The Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is crisp, colorful, and dazzlingly delicious, all tossed with a crave-worthy ginger miso dressing, a hit of everything bagel seasoning, and a fiery drizzle of chili crunch. It’s wildly quick to throw together, bursting with texture and flavor, and every bite feels like a big, happy celebration of summer’s freshest produce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vivid, Crunchy Colors: Every bowl is a festival of fresh red, orange, and yellow peppers with cool green cucumber for that ultimate appetizing crunch.
- Speedy and Effortless: You can have this entire salad assembled in under five minutes—no stove, no fuss—just slice and toss!
- Irresistible Dressing Combo: The ginger miso, everything bagel seasoning, and chili crunch oil team up to deliver umami, spice, and a little magic in every bite.
- Customizable to the Core: Make it mild or spicy, swap in your favorite veggies, or tweak the toppings—the Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad plays well with any palate or pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This irresistible salad keeps things blissfully simple, relying on just a handful of vibrant veggies and punchy toppings to deliver irresistible flavor. Each component brings something essential: juicy crunch, pockets of sweetness, and bold, layered seasoning that makes this go viral-worthy!
- Mini Cucumbers (3 small): These bring unbeatable crunch and a light, refreshing flavor—English or Persian cucumbers work best since their skin is thin and their seeds are minimal.
- Red, Orange, and Yellow Bell Peppers: Using a mix of colors not only makes the salad extra pretty, but gives you a balance of sweetness and juicy bite in every forkful.
- Ginger Miso Dressing: This is your secret sauce! Its savory tang with a quiet hit of ginger brings depth and a gentle creaminess—look for it bottled or whip up your own.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: This blend brings a savory-crunchy element from sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion—it’s what gives the salad its addictive “oomph.”
- Chili Crunch Oil: Just a drizzle infuses everything with a spicy, garlicky heat and a little crunch; use as much or as little as you dare.
Variations
The Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is all about flexibility! Feel free to play with the ingredients and dressings based on what you have on hand, any dietary preferences, or the mood you’re in. Here are some favorites to try:
- Add Protein: Toss in cubes of tofu, shredded rotisserie chicken, or chickpeas to make it a satisfying meal.
- Swap the Dressing: Try a sesame-ginger vinaigrette, classic Italian, or a yogurt-based ranch for a new flavor twist.
- Extra Veggies: Shaved fennel, thinly sliced radishes, or snap peas add bonus crunch and flavor layers.
- Make It Nut-Free: Omit any nutty dressing or toppings and choose your favorite seed-based crunchy finish.
How to Make Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Veggies
Grab those crisp mini cucumbers and slice them into thin, bite-sized rounds. Next, chop your red, orange, and yellow bell peppers into small, cheerful pieces—think about creating a confetti effect for extra visual appeal. Pile them all together in a large mixing bowl for tossing.
Step 2: Season & Toss
Pour in your desired amount of ginger miso dressing, sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning, and drizzle over the chili crunch oil (start with less, then add more to kick up the heat). Gently toss until the veggies are lightly coated and every bite promises a burst of flavor.
Step 3: Taste and Enjoy—Right Away!
This salad is all about that fresh, bold crunch, so dig in immediately after tossing for peak deliciousness. Plate up individual portions, or serve it straight from the bowl, letting everyone help themselves to seconds (trust me, they’ll want them!).
Pro Tips for Making Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
- Crispy Veggie Prep: Use super fresh, chilled cucumbers and peppers for the crispiest texture—extra cold veggies create maximum crunch!
- Dressing Smart: Only dress the amount you plan to eat that day; the salad stays much crunchier and livelier this way.
- Layer Those Flavors: Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning on right before serving so the seeds and garlic stay extra toasty and aromatic.
- Taste As You Go: Each chili crunch oil can have a different spice level—drizzle, taste, and adjust for your perfect heat!
How to Serve Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad
Garnishes
A scattering of extra everything bagel seasoning just before serving is always a hit—and for a splash of color, try a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or a few torn fresh basil leaves. If you want to elevate the presentation, a touch of flaky sea salt or finely sliced scallions makes each bowl sparkle.
Side Dishes
This salad is the perfect lively companion to grilled chicken, tofu skewers, or even crispy salmon. I especially love it with poke bowls, spicy noodles, or anything off the barbecue—its tang and crunch cut through heavier mains beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad in lettuce cups for a fun party bite, pile it on a platter for a bright potluck side, or layer it into mason jars for the cutest picnic salads. For summer BBQs, try serving individual portions in small glass bowls so those gorgeous colors really pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The veggies will soften a bit, but the flavors mingle together deliciously—just know that the salad’s famously crisp texture is best enjoyed the first day!
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing the Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad; the fresh veggies will lose their signature snap and turn watery once thawed. This dish is truly at its best when enjoyed fresh or after a quick chill in the fridge.
Reheating
No reheating needed—this salad shines when served straight from the fridge or even at room temperature. If the flavors have mellowed in the fridge, you can always freshen things up with an extra splash of dressing and a new sprinkle of seasoning.
FAQs
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Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini cucumbers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to peel and seed large cucumbers if their skin is tough or if you want to avoid bitterness. Slice them into thin half-moons or rounds to keep that addictive crunch.
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What’s a good substitute for everything bagel seasoning?
If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning on hand, mix together sesame seeds, poppy seeds, a pinch of dried garlic, onion flakes, and a little sea salt for a quick homemade version. Or sprinkle just sesame seeds for a simple touch!
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Is this salad spicy?
The heat level totally depends on how much chili crunch oil you use! You can keep it mild by starting with just a little oil or even skip it for a full family-friendly salad. For spice lovers, don’t be shy with the drizzle—it really makes the flavors pop.
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Can I make Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the veggies and store them separately in the fridge. For the best texture, wait to add the dressing, seasoning, and chili oil until just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one dish I wish everyone would try this week, it’s the Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad! It’s speedy, vibrant, and bursts with flavors that wake up any meal. I hope you love every crunchy, tangy bite as much as I do—be sure to make extra, because this salad disappears fast!
Print
Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing and colorful Viral Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad is a perfect blend of crisp cucumbers and vibrant bell peppers, tossed in a zesty ginger miso dressing and topped with flavorful everything bagel seasoning and a kick of chili crunch oil.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 3 small mini cucumbers, sliced in small rounds
Bell Peppers:
- 1 red bell pepper, 1 orange bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into small pieces
Additional Ingredients:
- Ginger miso dressing, to taste
- Everything bagel seasoning, to taste
- Chili crunch oil, to taste
Instructions
- Add cucumbers and peppers to a large bowl.
- Enjoy!
Add in desired amount of dressing, seasoning, and oil.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Tastes best when consumed fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 120 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 5g
- Sodium: Approx. 150mg
- Fat: Approx. 8g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 12g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
