You’ve probably seen the TikTok cucumber salad that’s going viral all over social media by now. Literally everyone seems to be making it, or a version of it. I didn’t want to feel like I’m missing out, so I gave it a try – with my own little spin of course.

What is the TikTok cucumber salad:

This trend started when a food content creator, Logan (aka the cucumber guy), shared his take on an Asian cucumber salad. Now everyone seems to be making it, or at least making their own version of it.

I remember a couple of years ago (it may have been during lock down) when a similar version of a cucumber salad went viral – a smashed cucumber salad. Everyone was making it at the time, but like with all food trends there comes a point where people get bored and you don’t see anyone making it for a while.

The new viral TikTok cucumber salad is cut into very thin slices with a mandoline instead of smashed. I’ve seen so many different variations of the dressing/sauce from Korean/Asian inspired, others adding things like salmon, sour cream and dill. The appeal is that it’s really easy to make, it’s refreshing and can easily be adapted to likes and preferences.

Why I’m enjoying making this TikTok cucumber salad:

I must admit that I’m not a massive salad lover. I would much rather eat roasted or cooked vegetables than a crunchy raw salad. I’m a firm believer in the importance of chewing food well, and I find chewing raw vegetables a bit taxing. Is that just me? Probably. However, during the summer months I do find myself craving a salad every now and then. My go-to is usually Tabbouleh, but it’s nice to mix things up a little and try something new.

What I love about this TikTok cucumber salad is how quick and easy it is to put together. I also love that there’s no set recipe and you can add whatever your heart desires depending on what the mood calls for. Since I’m half Middle Eastern, of course I had to put a Middle Eastern spin on mine. I added things like tahini, harissa and pomegranate molasses to pack in the flavour and make it so moreish! It’s a great salad so have on the side of main meals.

With cucumber being the main ingredients, this TikTok cucumber salad can be fairly low in calories, but super hydrating, refreshing and satisfying all at the same time.

What you need to make this TikTok cucumber salad:

Tahini – to add creaminess and a nutty taste. If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know how much I love tahini and how I’d try to add it to everything and anything if I can. So it would be rude of me not to add it here, especially considering I’m going for the Middle Eastern theme. As always, Lebanese runny tahini works best as it’s easier to mix and I also think it tastes best too!

Harissa paste – a Moroccan hot chilli pepper paste with a smoky, peppery and garlic taste with a hint of citrus. It adds so much flavour to this TikTok cucumber salad without even having to try hard.

Yoghurt – a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt adds a lovely creaminess to the dressing that cuts through the heat of the Harissa paste.

Honey – I only add a little to balance out the flavours, mainly the bitterness of the tahini.

Lemon juice – because I can’t make a Middle Eastern inspired recipe without adding some! Again, it cuts through the heat, but also balances out the sweetness of the honey.

Pomegranate molasses – it’s tart and tangy, with an hint of caramelised sweetness that goes so well with all the other flavours.

Fresh coriander – I love adding herbs to salads, but coriander goes particularly well in this recipe. I was debating using parsley since it’s a lot more common in the Middle East, but I must admit I do prefer the taste of coriander. Feel free to use parsley if coriander isn’t for you.

Sesame seeds – they taste even better if you toast them in a dry pan for a couple of minutes to bring out the natural oils and their nutty flavour.

How to make this TikTok cucumber salad:

Use a Mandoline to slice your cucumber into very thin discs.
Add to a large jar or container along with the rest of the ingredients. Place the lid on and shake until the cucumber slices are coated evenly with all the ingredients.
Alternatively you can add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and toss everything together to coat.
Serve immediately for a crunchier salad. You can store leftovers in the fridge, but the cucumber slices may become softer over time.

This TikTok cucumber salad is:

Easy
Quick
Healthy
So refreshing
Easily adjusted to likes/preferences.
Vegetarian
Can be made vegan
Nut-free
Gluten-free
So tasty!