The Insanely Simple Salad That’s Viral on TikTok

The latest online food sensation is a sliced cucumber salad made in a clear deli container.

It may seem too simple to be a viral hit, but the refreshing and easy cucumber salad has taken social media by storm. The creator behind this latest viral recipe, Logan Moffitt, has gained millions of views on TikTok for his videos demonstrating how to make his sliced cucumber salad.

The Key to Success: Simplicity and Customization

Like many viral food trends, Moffitt’s cucumber salad recipe follows a formula that has proven successful on platforms like TikTok and Instagram: a small number of ingredients that most people have on hand, flexibility for adjustments based on taste preferences, and minimal cooking. Moffitt says he didn’t put much thought into the format, but simply decided to share his cucumber recipes because he believes cucumbers pair well with almost anything.

Moffitt’s Method: A Culinary Canvas

Moffitt’s cucumber salad is made using a mandoline to achieve uniform slices of an entire English cucumber. He then adds a blend of oils, vinegars, and spices to create a flavorful combination. His original recipe, inspired by Asian flavors, includes soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, MSG, sesame oil, grated fresh garlic, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.

The salad is assembled in a quart-sized deli container, which is then shaken to evenly distribute the dressing. Moffitt suggests marinating the salad to allow the flavors to meld, or enjoying it fresh and crunchy right away. Out of his many cucumber creations, Moffitt’s favorite is a variation inspired by a loaded smoked salmon everything bagel, featuring cream cheese, salmon, and bagel seasoning.

A Culinary Inspiration: Experimentation and Creativity

Moffitt’s cucumber salad videos have not only propelled him to viral fame with millions of followers, but have also sparked creativity in home cooks. Influencers and other content creators have embraced the trend, experimenting with their own variations of the salad. Moffitt is excited to see the diverse range of flavors and styles that people are coming up with.

Cucumber Salad: A Social Media Star with Predecessors

While Moffitt’s cucumber salad is the latest viral sensation, it is not the first cucumber salad to gain popularity on social media. Previous iterations include the slinky cucumber salad with spiral-cut cucumbers, vegetable peeler cucumber ribbon salad, and smashed cucumber salad. These recipes have all had their moments in the spotlight, demonstrating the enduring appeal of refreshing and versatile cucumber salads.