

You have to admit that the creations that come out of the culinary institute of TikTok just know how to hit your taste buds the right way. And the latest delicacy to come out of the digital kitchen is a crunchy, savory salad that only takes five ingredients to achieve.
The viral salad recipe comes from the mind of season 25 The Bachelor winner, Rachael Kirkconnell, who might have singlehandedly changed my relationship with cucumbers moving forward.
@cortakneejay10 i thought the salad @rachael_kirkconnell made looked so yummy so i tried it and it was delicious!!! 😊🧡 i can’t stitch her video. #fyp #salad #saladrecipe #healthyeating #recipes #recipesoftiktok #recipe #saladsoftiktok #vegetable #food #foodtok
Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad Recipe
To create the viral cucumber sweet pepper salad, here's what you need:
- Persian Cucumbers
- Mini Sweet Peppers
- Makoto Miso Ginger Dressing
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
- Chili Crunch
To recreate the salad on your own, start by chopping baby cucumbers into small pieces, along with sweet peppers diced into thin rounds. Now, it’s time to add some tanginess. Take your medley of veggies and mix in a splash of Makoto Ginger Dressing (to taste), add a healthy spoonful of Fly by Jin Sichuan Chili Crisp sauce, and complete with sprinkles of Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. Toss and enjoy!
The combination is sure to leave your taste buds dancing in delight, or as Rachael puts it, “I will literally drink the juice.”
Who knew something so simple and veggie-forward could deliver a punch that’d have you wanting more? You get the sweet, savory, crunchy, and crispness all in one. And did we mention it’s healthy?
@misstaibaby Viral Cucumber Salad @rachael_kirkconnell 🥒 #cucumbersalad #cucumber #sweetpeppers #cucumberpeppersalad #viralsalad #healthyfood #healthyrecipes #plantbasedrecipes #plantbased #plantbasedfeta #veganfeta #chillionionchrunch #traderjoesmusthaves #traderjoesrecipe
Cucumbers are as refreshing as they are nutritious, offering a number of health benefits. These veggies are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, as well as other nutrients like magnesium and fiber. They’re also anti-inflammatory and contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body.
With sweet peppers, you get a low-calorie vegetable that makes a great choice for weight management. They are also high in fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Not to mention, the salad stands out for its versatility. Put it over rice, eat it alone, or pair it with salmon for the perfect, fulfilling dinnertime staple. As the warmer months roll in, there’s no better time than to find a snack that cools you down and satisfies your cravings.
Consider yourself influenced.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Celebrate International Women's Day With Wellness, Empowerment & More
International Women’s Day, celebrated on Saturday, March 8th, presents an excellent opportunity to honor and celebrate women. As March marks Women’s History Month, there are numerous chances throughout the month to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of women.
Both International Women's Day and Women's History Month serve as reminders of the progress made toward gender equality and the work still left to do.
They inspire ongoing advocacy for women's rights, fostering discussions on issues such as workplace discrimination, healthcare access, and representation in leadership. By celebrating women's contributions and amplifying their voices, these observances help pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Here are four ways to celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month.
Attend a Women History Month Event
This month, there are numerous events happening, particularly for International Women’s Day. One such event is organized by Media Girls Network, which will be held over a multi-day period starting on Thursday. The entire event is dedicated to celebrating women.
On Friday, the organization will honor prominent women in business and entertainment, including the OMG Girlz, celebrity restauranteur Gocha Hawkins, and more.
On Saturday, guests can indulge in a day of wellness and self-care, featuring a fitness class, massages, a journaling workshop, and other activities. For more information about these events, visit www.mediagirlsontour.com.
Support a Woman-Owned Business
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Reports indicate that women constitute 39.1% of business owners, and this percentage is steadily rising. In light of this, let’s celebrate and support women-owned businesses this month.
Here are a few ways to do so: shop at their establishments, leave positive reviews, follow and engage with them on social media, collaborate with them, or contribute to their crowdfunding efforts.
Support Women's Rights Groups
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Since President Trump took office, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented number of rights being reversed, including DEI programs. Women have been particularly concerned about his decision regarding abortion and reproductive rights. Recently, he dismissed the Idaho Emergency Abortion case, which was a legal battle to ensure Idahoans had access to emergency abortion care.
Writing in her Substack blog, Abortion, Everyday, journalist and abortion rights advocate, Jessica Valenti, said, “By dropping this case, the Trump administration is sending a clear message that anti-abortion states don’t have to adhere to [the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act] by giving pregnant patients life-saving care.”
Instead of waiting on Trump's next move regarding women's rights, support women's rights organizations and charities like In Our Own Voice Action Fund and Planned Parenthood.
Empower Others
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Use your voice to raise awareness about the challenges women encounter. This can be achieved through social media platforms or by speaking at local rallies and events. By leading by example, you can inspire others to get involved and contribute to the support.
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