You’ve seen it all over TikTok—Logan’s viral cucumber salad shaken up in a jar, packed with bold flavor and major crunch. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. It’s just cucumbers, right?
Wrong.
This viral cucumber salad is salty, tangy, sweet, and straight-up addictive. And the best part? It takes five minutes. No stove. No stress. Just a handful of ingredients, a good shake, and boom—you’ve got the ultimate easy cucumber salad recipe.
Eat it as a low-calorie snack, throw it on rice bowls, or serve it up with Honey Garlic Chicken. However you do it, this salad is your new summer go-to.
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Why This Viral Cucumber Salad Is So Popular
So, how did a simple cucumber salad become a full-blown internet sensation?
It all started right here at Virile Recipes. We posted a quick, no-cook recipe that was light, crunchy, and packed with flavor—and the internet ran with it. One jar, a few pantry staples, and boom: millions of views later, the viral cucumber salad was born.
To be honest, when I first made this, I thought, “Okay, cucumbers… in soy sauce? That’s it?” But once I gave it a shake (literally), I was hooked. The flavor hits every note:
- Savory and umami from soy and garlic
- Sweet and tangy with just the right sugar-vinegar balance
- Nutty sesame oil flavor
- And that signature crunchy cucumber salad texture? Chef’s kiss.
The real beauty? It’s endlessly customizable.
Want it spicy? Add chili flakes.
Need it vegan? Swap the fish sauce with rice vinegar or coconut aminos.
Meal prepping? Toss it in a mason jar—hello, salad in a jar life.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone just looking to snack smarter, this trending cucumber salad is your new ride-or-die.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this viral cucumber salad magic happen. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor? Total knockout.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
→ These are perfect because they’re seedless, mild, and extra crisp. - 1 spring onion, finely chopped
→ Adds a little bite and freshness to balance the dressing. - 1 garlic clove, minced
→ Don’t skip this. It’s the flavor backbone. - 1 tbsp soy sauce
→ Salty, savory, and rich—this brings that umami salad flavor. - 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
→ Adds depth, but you can sub with rice vinegar or extra soy sauce for a vegan cucumber side. - ½ tsp sesame oil
→ Just a drizzle for that signature sesame oil flavor—nutty and warm. - ½ tsp sugar
→ Balances out the salt and spice with a hint of sweetness. - Pinch of MSG (optional)
→ Totally optional, but adds an addictive savory kick. - Chili flakes (optional)
→ Want a spicy cucumber salad? Go for it. Start small and taste. - Sesame seeds, for garnish
→ They make it pretty and give a subtle crunch.
Tip: Use a mandolin slicer for paper-thin, even cucumber slices. It makes a difference in texture and soak-up-ability.
Want to switch things up? Try pairing it with our Cucumber Tomato Salad for a double cucumber hit, or serve it with Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli for a complete, light meal.
How to Make Viral Cucumber Salad
Alright, time to bring this TikTok cucumber salad to life. The best part? You don’t need to cook a single thing. Just slice, shake, and snack. Here’s how we do it:
Step 1: Slice Your Cucumber
Use a mandolin slicer (carefully!) to get super thin, even slices. Trust me, thinner = better soak-up and more crunch. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife works too—just go as thin as you can.
Pro Tip: Slice directly into a wide-mouth jar if you’re going the cucumber salad in a jar route.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Bombs
To your jar or a mixing bowl, add:
- Spring onion
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce (or swap in rice vinegar for a vegan cucumber side)
- Sesame oil
- Sugar
- Optional: pinch of MSG and chili flakes if you want that extra umami and heat
Now it’s looking (and smelling) like something special.
Step 3: Shake or Stir
If it’s in a jar, tighten that lid and shake and mix salad style. This is the fun part—make sure everything’s coated in that soy sauce dressing.
If you’re using a bowl, just give it a good toss with tongs or clean hands.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Let it sit for at least 5 minutes. This lets the cucumbers marinate and absorb all that sweet, salty, garlicky goodness.
And just like that, your no-cook TikTok recipe is done. Serve it cold, snack on it straight from the fridge, or add it to a rice bowl or BBQ spread. It’s the ultimate easy summer side dish.
Pair it with: Honey Sweet Potato Summer Salad for a sweet-savory contrast.
My Expert Tips
Let’s be real—this easy cucumber salad recipe is hard to mess up. But if you want to go from “yum” to “holy wow, I need more of this in my life,” here are a few pro moves:
1. Mandolin = Game Changer
Using a mandolin slicer gives you those ultra-thin, perfectly even slices that soak up flavor like a dream. Just don’t rush it—mandolins are sneaky.
2. Taste as You Go
Everyone’s salt/sweet/spice preferences are different. Start with the recipe, then adjust to taste. Want more kick? Add chili flakes. More tang? Splash in extra vinegar. You do you.
3. Let It Marinate
This salad gets better the longer it sits. Let it chill for at least 5–10 minutes. If you’ve got the patience, leave it overnight. The flavors deepen and the crunch stays strong.
4. Make It Your Own
This is where the fun begins. Toss in:
- Shredded carrots
- Thin-sliced radishes
- Crushed peanuts
- A splash of lime juice for zing
You can even add it to poke bowls or serve it over grilled tofu or chicken for a full meal.
5. Great for Meal Prep
Pack it in a mason jar and stash it in the fridge for the week. It’s a smart grab-and-go snack, a crunchy lunch side, or a quick fix when you’re craving something light but flavorful.
Pro Pairing: Sip it with our Japanese Water Recipe with Lemon and Ginger for a fresh, cleansing combo.
FAQs
Let’s clear up a few things real quick:
Absolutely! In fact, it gets better after a few hours. Just pop it in the fridge and let the flavors mingle. It’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2–3 days.
You’ve got options:
Soy sauce (for extra saltiness)
Rice vinegar (for more tang)
Coconut aminos (for a sweeter, soy-free twist)
Any of these will keep it delicious and make it a vegan cucumber side.
Nope. It’s totally optional. But if you’re down for that extra punch of savory umami salad flavor, a tiny pinch can work wonders. No shame in the MSG game.
Sure! Just keep in mind, they’re a bit more watery and seedy. If you can find English cucumbers, they’re the top pick for that perfect crunchy cucumber salad vibe.
Only if you want it to be! Chili flakes are optional, so you’re in control of the heat level. Keep it mild or crank it up—it’s your salad.
Tightly sealed in the fridge, preferably in a jar or airtight container. Bonus points for shaking it again before eating—flavor party reactivated.
More Viral Recipes To Try
If this viral cucumber salad got your taste buds dancing, you’re gonna want to keep the TikTok train rolling. Here are some other internet-famous dishes that blew up for all the right reasons—and yes, they’re just as easy and crave-worthy.
TikTok Spaghetti Alfredo
Creamy, cheesy, and made in one pan. The internet didn’t lie—this one’s comfort food at its finest.
Viral Lasagna Soup
All the rich, meaty, melty vibes of lasagna—without all the layering. It’s cozy in a bowl and ridiculously easy.
Tini’s Mac and Cheese
TikTok’s cheesiest creation. Gooey, golden, and made with pantry staples. Pro tip: sprinkle hot Cheetos on top. You’re welcome.
Baked Boursin Pasta
Garlic, herbs, and creamy cheese melt into a dream sauce. Toss it with pasta and call it a night.
Want more summer winners? Check out our Easy Summer Recipes roundup for quick, fresh meals that beat the heat.
And if you’re still on a salad kick, don’t miss these flavor-packed faves:
- Broccoli Raisin Salad – sweet, crunchy, and nostalgic
- Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta – summer in a bowl
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – a perfect contrast to the bold flavors of this jar-shaken wonder
Viral Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This viral cucumber salad is salty, tangy, sweet, and straight-up addictive. With bold flavor and major crunch, it’s the ultimate five-minute no-cook summer side.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 spring onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- Pinch of MSG (optional)
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Use a mandolin slicer or sharp knife to thinly slice the cucumber. Slice directly into a jar if using one.
- In a jar or mixing bowl, add the cucumber, spring onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce or rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, optional MSG, and chili flakes.
- If using a jar, close the lid and shake to mix. If in a bowl, toss thoroughly with tongs or clean hands.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let marinate for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a mandolin for ultra-thin slices. Let it marinate longer for deeper flavor. Customize with shredded carrots, radishes, peanuts, or lime juice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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