Calibrate Recipe

SWEET AND SPICY CUCUMBER-PEPPER SALAD

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher

Active: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Serves 2 to 4
Green

(be mindful of added sugars from the dressing)

This simple 5-ingredient salad is inspired by Rachael Kirkconnell, who recently took TikTok by storm with this crunchy, crave-worthy creation. Made with hydrating cucumbers and crisp peppers, this salad packs the perfect mix of sweet and spicy, thanks to the combination of some very fun pantry ingredients. For an added boost of protein, we added shelled edamame.

Look for a store bought sesame-ginger or miso-ginger dressing that has a small ingredient list and low added sugars per serving (we like Momo, Primal Kitchen, Bragg, or Annie’s) or make your own. (Keep in mind that any added sugar or sweeteners in the dressing will make this red during the Jumpstart.) Everything bagel spice is now available from Trader Joe’s, Target, and even Walmart, but in a pinch, you can make your own using a combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt. 

Chili crisp is another ingredient that’s gaining popularity right now (you can also find it at Trader Joe’s, Target, and Walmart). It’s packed with flavor and heat, but feel free to sub in another chili oil or paste of your choice, such as harissa, Calabrian chili paste, or sriracha.

Since water-rich cucumbers lose their crisp easily once cut, this salad is best eaten the day that it’s prepared, paired with crispy salmon, chicken, or tofu for a protein- and fiber-packed meal.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Persian cucumbers (about 10 ounces total), thinly sliced 
  • 8 mini sweet peppers or 1 large red, orange, or yellow pepper (about 8 ounces), thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shelled edamame (thawed if frozen)
  • 3 tablespoons ginger dressing
  • 1 tablespoon everything bagel spice
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons chili crisp

Directions:

  1. Combine the cucumbers, peppers, and edamame in a large bowl. Add the ginger dressing, everything bagel spice, and chili crisp over top and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Test Kitchen Tips:

Mini sweet peppers provide a one-two punch of color and crunch. They’re smaller and sweeter than your average bell pepper, measuring about 3 to 4 inches long, with fewer seeds and thinner skin. 

Persian cucumbers are smaller, crunchier, and have a thinner skin than traditional cucumbers, but in a pinch, any cucumber will do!