Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad Recipe

Get ready to meet your new obsession: Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad. This vibrant, crunchy salad takes just 10 minutes to toss together, but it’s dangerously addictive thanks to a combo of crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, zingy carrots, and a punchy miso-ginger dressing that’s then finished with chili crunch and everything bagel seasoning. Forget boring salads—this one bursts with color, flavor, and texture, making it the ultimate snack or side you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of fresh ingredients and pantry staples to make this magic happen, and every item brings something wonderful to the bowl. The key is how each component layers on crunch, sweetness, heat, or that irresistible umami-sesame combination.

• Persian cucumbers: These small, seedless cucumbers provide a cool, juicy crunch—if you can’t find Persian, English cucumbers work beautifully too.
• Mini sweet bell peppers: Sliced into vibrant rings, they add sweetness and rainbow color; regular bell peppers will also do the trick if that’s what you have on hand.
• Carrots: Whether you peel ribbons or chop into bite-sized pieces, they bring an earthy sweetness and an extra layer of crunch.
• Shallot: Thin slivers give a hint of mild oniony sharpness that perfectly balances all the freshness.
• Asian miso ginger dressing: Any store-bought variety works — Bragg’s is a great choice — for a salty-sweet base packed with umami.
• Chili crunch oil: Start with just a bit and adjust for your ideal spicy kick; it’s what brings the wow factor to this salad.
• Everything bagel seasoning: This cult-favorite blend ties everything together with a savory crunch of sesame, garlic, and poppy seeds.

How to Make Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your sliced Persian cucumbers, sweet bell pepper rings, carrot ribbons (or pieces), and thinly sliced shallot. Don’t skip on a little care with the cutting — the shapes and sizes make all the difference in each bite. This fresh crunchy base is the canvas for all the flavor to come!

Step 2: Dress It Up

Pour the Asian miso ginger dressing right over the bowl of veggies. Don’t worry about getting fancy — just drizzle liberally and remember, you can always add a touch more if you like things a little saucier. This is where the umami magic really starts.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Bombs

Now spoon in the chili crunch oil and sprinkle in the everything bagel seasoning. Want things extra spicy? Go ahead and add a bit more chili oil, but it’s always safest to start slow — you can always add heat, but you can’t take it away!

Step 4: Toss and Taste

Grab some tongs or just use clean hands and toss the salad well to make sure every slice and ribbon is glistening with dressing and dotted with those crunchy flavor bits. If you want to intensify the flavor, let it chill in the fridge for an hour, then toss again before serving to let everything mingle.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Pile the Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad into a nice bowl or onto a platter, and sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning on top for an irresistible presentation and even more flavor. Serve right away, or chill slightly if you prefer it cool and crisp.

How to Serve Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of more everything bagel seasoning is non-negotiable! You can also add some thinly sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or even crushed roasted peanuts for a nutty note that pairs beautifully with the miso-ginger flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad loves company — try serving it alongside grilled teriyaki tofu, sticky jasmine rice, or as a bright contrast to rich Asian noodles. It also works as a zippy topping for poke bowls or as the star of any summer barbecue spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not pile your Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad atop avocado toast, stuff it into lettuce cups for a fun hand-held snack, or taco-style wraps? It’s gorgeous in a glass jar for portable lunches, or layered with more greens in a salad bowl for a vibrant potluck showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad keeps surprisingly well! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better than today’s dinner.

Freezing

This recipe is all about fresh, crisp textures, so freezing isn’t recommended. The veggies will turn soft and watery after thawing, losing the irresistible crunch that makes this salad special.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! For best texture and flavor, enjoy this salad icy-cold straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer it just slightly chilled.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade dressing instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! A simple homemade miso-ginger vinaigrette made with white miso, grated ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of maple syrup or honey works perfectly if you’re in the mood to DIY.

What if I can’t find mini sweet bell peppers?

No worries—regular bell peppers cut into thin strips or rings work just as well. Feel free to mix red, yellow, and orange for a similar sweet, crunchy vibe.

How spicy is this salad?

The chili crunch oil gives a gentle heat and loads of flavor, but you’re in control! Start with a teaspoon, taste, and add more if you want things hotter. The salad will never be overwhelmingly spicy unless you want it that way.

Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?

It’s naturally vegan as long as your dressing is, and most everything bagel seasonings are gluten-free. Just double-check your dressing and chili oil labels to be sure if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Can I prep Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can slice all the veggies and even toss them with dressing a couple of hours in advance. Just add the chili oil and bagel seasoning right before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fun, flavor-packed salad that comes together in minutes, Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad might be the most exciting recipe you try all season. It’s perfect for meal prep, parties, or just treating yourself to something crisp and craveable any day of the week. Give it a whirl—you’ll see why it’s gone viral!

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