If you've spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed the viral cucumber salad trend taking over everyone’s feed. With its fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and satisfying crunch, it’s no surprise that this easy salad has become a favorite among foodies and casual cooks alike. But what is it about this cucumber salad that has the internet hooked?
What Makes the TikTok Cucumber Salad So Special?
Simplicity at Its Best
The appeal of the viral cucumber salad lies in its ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients—crisp cucumbers, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a few spices—you can create a light, refreshing dish in minutes. The combination of tangy, salty, and subtly sweet flavors paired with the crunch of cucumbers makes it irresistibly satisfying.
Healthy and Refreshing
This cucumber salad is not only delicious but also a healthy option for those looking for a light meal or snack. Cucumbers are hydrating and packed with vitamins, while the addition of rice vinegar and sesame oil offers both flavor and health benefits, such as aiding digestion and providing healthy fats.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the reasons this salad has gone viral is its versatility. TikTokers have experimented with their own creative twists—adding chili flakes for heat, garlic for an extra punch, or topping it with sesame seeds for added texture. And now, one of the trendiest variations includes smoked salmon and cream cheese, turning this light dish into something even more luxurious and hearty.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Another reason the cucumber salad is such a hit. Its meal prep friendly. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to deepen. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or enjoying it as a snack, this salad can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week.
How to Make the original Viral TikTok Cucumber Salad
Here’s the classic version of the recipe
Basic Cucumber Salad Ingredients:
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp honey
Optional: chili flakes
Instructions for Basic Salad:
In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey until combined.
Add the sliced cucumbers to the dressing and toss until fully coated.
Season with Everything But Bagel Seasoning and any additional spices or toppings you prefer, like chili flakes.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Version:
Ingredients:
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
100g smoked salmon, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cream cheese or cottage cheese for higher protein, softened
2 tbsp Gevity Rx Bone Broth Great Guts Mayo
1 tbsp finely chopped red onion
3 caperberries, finely chipped
1 tsp of caperberry pickling juice
2 tbsp of pickled daikon, finely chopped
1 tsp of daikon pickling juice
1 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
2 drips doterra Lemon Essential Oil
1 tsp Everything But Bagel Seasoning
Instructions:
Prepare the cucumber and cut all ingredients listed above.
In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream / cottage cheese, Mayo, Pickling Juices and 2 x drips of doTerra Lemon Essential Oils
Gently fold in the smoked salmon along with all the other salad ingredients.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or if you can wait let it chill briefly to allow the flavors to combine.
So, the next time you’re looking for a refreshing side dish or even a light meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, give the TikTok cucumber salad (and its salmon twist) a try. Your taste buds—and TikTok followers—will thank you!
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