Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Absolutely! While ginger sesame dressing adds a great Asian-inspired flavor, you can swap it for balsamic vinaigrette, lemon garlic dressing, or even a light olive oil and vinegar mix.

What can I add to make this salad a full meal?

You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for extra protein. A scoop of cooked quinoa or a handful of nuts and seeds also makes it more filling.

Viral Sweet Pepper Salad

Name: Viral Sweet Pepper Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-497632H54S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Fusion/Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 3-4 mini cucumbers, sliced; 6-7 mini bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), sliced; 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil; ¼ cup ginger sesame dressing; 2 ½ teaspoons Everything But The Bagel seasoning (or to taste)

Description

This Viral Sweet Pepper Salad is the perfect light and crunchy dish for warm weather. Packed with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a hint of spice, it comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and can easily be customized with protein or extra toppings. Serve it as a side dish, a healthy snack, or a meal-prep favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 mini cucumbers, sliced
6–7 mini bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), sliced
2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
¼ cup ginger sesame dressing
2 ½ teaspoons Everything But The Bagel seasoning (or to taste)

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Instructions

Slice the vegetables: Cut the mini cucumbers and bell peppers into thin, even slices. Keep the slices uniform to ensure a consistent crunch and even distribution of flavors.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers and bell peppers. Pour in the chili crisp oil and ginger sesame dressing, ensuring all the vegetables are evenly coated.
Season and toss: Sprinkle the Everything But The Bagel seasoning over the salad. Use tongs or a spoon to toss everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Chill before serving: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to absorb and enhances the overall taste.
Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and serve cold. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or rice bowls for a balanced meal.

Notes

If you don’t like spice, swap the chili crisp oil for extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
To make it a more substantial dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
For extra texture, mix in nuts, seeds, or crumbled feta cheese.
If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge. Stir before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: No cooking required
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: Fusion/Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 132
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 319mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0.2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg