Viral Million Dollar Cucumber Salad (Vegan & Healthy)

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This Viral Million Dollar Cucumber Salad has taken TikTok by storm for good reason. This vegan, healthy version keeps all the creamy, refreshing flavor of the viral cucumber salad while using simple, wholesome ingredients and coming together in minutes.

The million-dollar cucumber salad has been added to a bowl and is ready to eat.

The first time I saw this Viral Million Dollar Cucumber Salad trending all over TikTok, I knew I had to try it. After one bite of the crisp cucumbers tossed in that creamy, savory dressing, it was easy to see why this cucumber salad went viral. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and so simple to make.

Of course, I had to create my own version using wholesome, plant-based ingredients. It’s light, creamy, and incredibly easy to throw together, making it the perfect quick side dish or refreshing snack straight from the fridge.

And, if you love cucumber, you’ve also got to try this Cucumber Salad with Fresh Dill and this Crispy Rice Cucumber Salad.

An up-close picture of this viral cucumber salad.

Table of Contents

Spotlight on This Viral Million Dollar Cucumber Salad

It’s viral: When a recipe goes viral, there’s usually a very good reason. This Viral Million Dollar Cucumber Salad is incredibly simple to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect refreshing side dish.
It’s easy to make: Just add all of the ingredients to a jar with a lid, give it a good shake, and it’s ready to enjoy. Honestly, it’s so good you may want to eat it straight from the jar.
It’s the perfect Asian-inspired side: This fresh cucumber salad pairs beautifully with egg rolls, spring rolls, fried rice, or your favorite takeout-style dishes.
It’s healthier: This vegan version is made with wholesome ingredients while still delivering the creamy, bold flavors that made the original recipe so popular.
It’s incredibly delicious: Crisp cucumbers tossed in a creamy, savory dressing prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.

The Ingredients

English cucumber: While any cucumber will work, I recommend using an English cucumber for this salad. Its thin skin, crisp texture, and mild flavor make it perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to slice it very thin.

Tahini: This rich sesame paste brings a creamy, nutty depth of flavor that makes the dressing extra satisfying.

Soy sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds that classic savory, umami flavor that gives this cucumber salad its delicious Asian-inspired taste.

Maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness helps balance the savory flavors and ties the dressing together beautifully.

Rice vinegar: This is the perfect type of vinegar for this Asian dressing.

Sesame oil: You only need a small drizzle of this flavorful oil to add a warm, nutty aroma that makes the dressing irresistible.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a bold, aromatic kick that elevates the entire salad.

Crunchy Chili Onion: This fun ingredient adds a little heat and a satisfying crunch. If you prefer a milder salad, you can easily leave it out. You can find it at Trader Joe’s!

Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds texture and finishes the salad with the perfect Asian-inspired touch.

Chives: The original viral recipe uses green onions, but I prefer the milder, delicate flavor of fresh chives.

Frequently Asked Questions

If this salad spicy?

There’s a small kick from the Chili Crunch Oil. If you prefer no heat, I recommend skipping this ingredient.

Can I use a regular cucumber instead of an English cucumber?

Yes. While English cucumbers are ideal because they have thin skin and fewer seeds, regular cucumbers will still work. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and remove some of the seeds for the best texture.

How thin should I slice the cucumber?

For the best flavor and texture, slice the cucumbers very thin. Thin slices absorb the dressing better and create that signature light, refreshing texture. A mandoline slicer works great if you have one.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

This salad will last 1-2 days. I recommend enjoying the day you make it because the cucumber slices will release water, which will water down the dressing.

What can I serve with this salad?

This refreshing cucumber salad pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes like fried rice, spring rolls, veggie dumplings, or noodle bowls. It also makes a light and flavorful side for any meal.

How is this recipe different than the viral version?

This cucumber salad has been modified to use vegan, healthier ingredients. There is no cheese, ranch, or bacon bits.

The Instructions

Step one: Use a mandoline to thinly slice the English cucumber and place the slices in a 32-ounce wide-mouth mason jar or container.

The English cucumber has been thinly sliced with a mandoline.

Step two: Add all of the sauce ingredients to the jar of sliced cucumber. This includes tahini, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and crunchy chili onion. Secure the lid and give it all a good shake.

All of the sauce ingredients have been added to the jar of sliced cucumbers.

Step three: Add the minced chives and optional sesame seeds, secure the lid, and give it one more shake. Pour the ingredients into a bowl or enjoy right out of the jar!

The chives and sesame seeds have been shaken into the salad, and it is ready to eat.

Storage

I recommend enjoying this salad the day you make it. If you decide to keep leftovers, they will last 1-2 days in an airtight container and stored in the fridge. Keep in mind that the cucumber will release water, which will water down the dressing.

Tips and Modifications

Enjoy this salad right away or chill it for an hour before serving. Make sure to give it a nice shake after chilling.

After shaking, if the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a bit of filtered water. And then give it another good shake.

If you aren’t into spice, I recommend removing the Crunchy Chili Onion ingredient.

More Asian-Inspired Vegan Salad Recipes

Crispy Rice Cucumber Salad

Viral Carrot Ribbon Salad

Thai Noodle Salad Jars