Crisp Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

Fresh & Zingy Crisp Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

Cool summer days dance with vibrant flavors in this refreshing cucumber and bell pepper salad recipe that celebrates crisp vegetables.

Fresh produce creates a delightful medley of textures and colors.

Bright green cucumbers mingle with sweet bell peppers in a light, zesty dressing that sparks excitement on your plate.

Each crisp bite brings a burst of garden-fresh goodness.

Chopped herbs add an aromatic touch to this simple yet elegant dish.

The combination of crunchy vegetables and tangy seasonings makes this salad a perfect side for any meal.

You’ll fall in love with this easy, nutritious recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 525 kcal

Servings: 4

Serve Cucumber Bell Pepper Salad Fresh and Crisp

  • Crunchy Companion Plate: Pair this vibrant salad with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a protein-packed meal that balances fresh vegetables and savory protein.
  • Summer BBQ Star: Bring this colorful salad to outdoor gatherings as a refreshing side dish that will impress friends with its zesty, tangy flavor profile and eye-catching appearance.
  • Quick Meal Enhancer: Use as a speedy lunch topper for rice bowls, mix into quinoa, or pile onto sandwiches for an instant crunch and flavor boost that transforms simple meals.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days, allowing flavors to develop and making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weekdays or quick healthy snacking.

TikTok Salad Storage for On-the-Go Snacking

  • Keep this vibrant salad sealed in an airtight container within your refrigerator for 2-3 days. Cool temperatures help maintain the crisp vegetable texture and protect flavor integrity.
  • Chop vegetables and mix dressing separately ahead of time. Store components in different containers, combining just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain maximum crunchiness.
  • Drain any excess liquid that accumulates after sitting to prevent diluting the delicious seasoning. Use a slotted spoon when serving to control moisture levels and maintain salad's exciting zesty profile.
  • Allow refrigerated salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief warmup helps release deeper flavor notes and brings out the nuanced seasoning complexity, making each bite more enjoyable.

What Goes Into Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad

For Base Vegetables:
  • Cucumber: Crisp, cool base that provides refreshing crunch and hydration.
  • Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color, sweet flavor, and nutritional boost.
  • Red Onion: Introduces sharp, zesty bite and aromatic depth to the salad.
For Dressing Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers umami and salty foundation for the dressing.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and balances overall flavor profile.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind dressing ingredients.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers subtle, concentrated garlic essence without raw intensity.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Injects gentle heat and spicy undertone.
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning: Brings complex, savory blend of herbs and seeds.
  • Sriracha: Contributes additional heat and complex chili flavor.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces rich, nutty undertone with authentic Asian-inspired essence.
For Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds: Provides delicate crunch, nutty flavor, and elegant visual appeal.

Tools to Chop and Mix This Bright TikTok Salad

  • Cutting Board: Essential surface for slicing vegetables safely and cleanly.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for creating thin, even cucumber and bell pepper slices.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the vibrant dressing ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helps blend dressing components smoothly and evenly.
  • Serving Bowl: Ideal for tossing and presenting the colorful salad.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise dressing ingredient proportions.

Instructions for Making Viral TikTok Salad At Home

  • Chop Fresh Produce

Grab your cutting board and slice cucumbers and bell peppers into delicate, elegant ribbons. Aim for uniform, thin cuts that’ll make your salad look Instagram-worthy.

  • Whip Up Flavor Explosion

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and a dash of garlic powder. Splash in some sriracha and sesame oil for that extra punch of excitement. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and everything bagel seasoning to create a tantalizing dressing.

  • Create Salad Magic

Pour your zesty dressing over the crisp vegetable slices. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated with the mouthwatering mixture. Let the ingredients mingle and dance for 5-10 minutes.

  • Finish with Flair

Scatter sesame seeds across the top for a delightful crunch. Serve this vibrant salad either chilled or at room temperature. Watch as friends and family devour this refreshing, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a summer favorite.

  • Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite has perfect texture and seasoning absorption.
  • Prepare salad 30 minutes before serving to let vegetables marinate and develop deeper taste profiles.
  • Replace honey with agave for vegan version or use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced sodium diet needs.
  • Add grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame to transform this light salad into a complete protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes and sriracha quantities to personalize heat intensity – from mild to fiery hot based on individual preferences.
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Crisp Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

Crisp Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x
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Description

Cool cucumber and bell pepper salad brings Mediterranean freshness to summer tables with crisp, zesty ingredients. Simple chopping and quick tossing create a light, refreshing side dish you’ll crave at every picnic and gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 English cucumber (or 2 Persian cucumbers), sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsps soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)
  • ½ tsp everything bagel seasoning (or sesame seeds & sea salt mix)
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Vegetable Preparation: Meticulously slice cucumbers and bell peppers into delicate, uniform rounds or slender strips, ensuring consistent thickness for optimal texture and visual appeal.
  2. Dressing Fusion: Craft a vibrant flavor profile by whisking soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, everything bagel seasoning, sriracha, and sesame oil in a small bowl until ingredients harmonize into a smooth, glossy emulsion.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Cascade the dynamically blended dressing over the freshly cut vegetables, gently massaging and turning the ingredients to guarantee comprehensive coating and maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Finishing Touch: Generously sprinkle sesame seeds across the salad, then allow the mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the vegetables to absorb the complex, tantalizing dressing while transforming the dish into a refreshing, palate-awakening experience. Serve either chilled or at ambient temperature for a versatile, Instagram-worthy side dish.

Notes

  • Cut cucumbers and bell peppers into consistent, thin slices to ensure even dressing distribution and attractive presentation.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes and sriracha according to personal heat tolerance, tasting and adding gradually for balanced flavor.
  • Allow salad to rest 5-10 minutes before serving, enabling vegetables to absorb dressing and develop deeper taste profile.
  • Substitute honey with agave for vegan version, or use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced-sodium diet requirements.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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