If you’re looking for a refreshing, colorful, and absolutely addictive salad, you have to try the Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe. This vibrant dish combines crisp Persian cucumbers, sweet mini bell peppers, and delicate carrot ribbons with a punch of Asian miso ginger dressing, chili crunch oil, and everything bagel seasoning. It’s the perfect balance of fresh veggies, savory spice, and a touch of umami, making it a standout side or light meal you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing that incredible flavor and perfect texture to your Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe. The fresh veggies add crunch and sweetness, while the dressings and seasonings bring an exciting depth to every bite.
- 4–5 Persian cucumbers: Their thin skin and tender seeds give a crisp texture without bitterness.
- 7–8 mini sweet bell peppers: Thinly sliced for bursts of colorful sweetness that brighten the salad.
- 2 large carrots: Cut into ribbons or small pieces to add a subtle earthiness and lovely orange contrast.
- 1 medium shallot: Thinly sliced to introduce a mild onion bite with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup Asian miso ginger dressing: This dressing brings savory umami and zesty ginger notes that tie all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon chili crunch oil: For a spicy kick and delightful crunch that elevates the entire salad.
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning: Adds a savory, garlicky crunch complementing the fresh vegetables and dressing.
How to Make Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by cutting your Persian cucumbers into rounds and slicing the mini sweet bell peppers into thin rings. Peel or cut the carrots into ribbons or small pieces to ensure they mix well. Thinly slice the shallot so it evenly distributes its subtle flavor throughout the salad. Uniform chopping ensures that every forkful bursts with a variety of textures and hues.
Step 2: Toss with the Dressing
Pour the Asian miso ginger dressing over the bowl of chopped vegetables. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss the mixture so that every piece is well coated with the savory, tangy dressing that brings a perfect zing to the salad.
Step 3: Season and Spice Things Up
Add the chili crunch oil and everything bagel seasoning to the bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly until the oil and seasoning are evenly distributed. This step is where the salad really wakes up with spicy warmth and that irresistible crunchy texture.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
For an extra burst of flavor and texture, sprinkle a bit more everything bagel seasoning on top before serving. This salad shines best when eaten immediately for the freshest crunch, but if you prefer a chilled, more marinated option, refrigerate for 1 hour and toss again before serving.
How to Serve Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or mint can add a fresh green contrast, while a few toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty crunch to complement the everything bagel seasoning. For a final touch of richness, a drizzle of extra chili crunch oil on top works wonders.
Side Dishes
This Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or crispy tofu. It’s a fantastic way to add freshness to any barbecue or weeknight meal and balances out heavier mains with its light and vibrant profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in clear glass bowls to showcase its bright colors or mound it artistically on a large platter for sharing. You can also stuff it into pita pockets or lettuce cups for a fun handheld option that’s perfect for lunch or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers and peppers may release some water over time, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The crisp vegetables will lose their texture and become soggy after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad meant to be refreshing, reheating is not necessary. Simply enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best crunch and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Yes, you can substitute regular cucumbers, but Persian cucumbers are preferred because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which means less bitterness and a nicer crunch.
Is the chili crunch oil very spicy?
The chili crunch oil adds a gentle to moderate heat with a satisfying crunch. You can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder salad.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! This Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe is vegan as long as the miso ginger dressing you choose is plant-based, which most are. Just double-check the label to be sure.
What can I use if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
You can create a quick substitute using sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt. This will mimic the flavor and crunch of the original seasoning.
How far ahead can I prepare the salad?
It’s best to prepare this salad no more than a few hours ahead of serving to keep it fresh and crunchy. If you want to prep early, mix the vegetables first and add the dressing and seasonings right before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe is one of those magical dishes that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. Bursting with fresh flavors, exciting texture, and a little bit of spice, it’s perfect for any occasion where you want a colorful, healthy, and exciting salad. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with every crunchy bite!
Print
Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and colorful dish perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or side. Featuring Persian cucumbers, sweet mini bell peppers, and crisp carrots tossed with a flavorful Asian miso ginger dressing, chili crunch oil, and everything bagel seasoning, this salad bursts with vibrant flavors and textures. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an ideal no-cook recipe for warm days or any time you want a light, tasty salad.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4–5 Persian cucumbers, cut into rounds
- 7–8 mini sweet bell peppers, sliced into rings
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into ribbons or small pieces
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Asian miso ginger dressing (any brand)
- 1 tablespoon chili crunch oil
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the Persian cucumbers into rounds, slice the mini sweet bell peppers into rings, peel and slice the carrots into ribbons or small pieces, and thinly slice the shallot. Ensure all vegetables are evenly chopped to create a balanced crunch and colorful presentation.
- Add the Dressing: Place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the Asian miso ginger dressing and use a large spoon or salad tongs to toss everything thoroughly until all the veggies are well coated with the dressing.
- Season and Spice: Add the chili crunch oil and the everything bagel seasoning to the dressed vegetables. Toss the salad again to evenly distribute the seasoning and oil, enhancing the salad’s flavor profile with spicy and savory notes.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle extra everything bagel seasoning on top if you desire additional crunch and flavor. You can serve the salad immediately for a crisp texture, or chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to achieve a colder, more marinated salad experience. Before serving, toss the salad once more for even flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute Persian cucumbers with English cucumbers if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of chili crunch oil to control the spice level to your taste.
- The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best eaten fresh for maximum crunch.
- Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add an extra layer of flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, check that the miso ginger dressing is vegan-friendly.
