The Salad That Took Over the Internet
Hey friends! If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve definitely seen the mesmerizing “accordion” or “spiral” cucumber trend. It’s fun, it’s crunchy, and it makes eating your veggies feel like a game. Today, we’re taking that viral technique and giving it a bold, spicy Mediterranean makeover with a zesty Harissa Dressing and plenty of salty feta.
While my Green Goddess Salad is all about creamy herbs and the Kani Mango Salad leans sweet and savory, this salad is for the spice lovers. The intricate spiral cuts aren’t just for looks they create hundreds of little nooks and crannies for the fiery harissa dressing to cling to, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Why It Works
The “spiral” (or accordion) cut transforms a regular cucumber into a springy, noodle-like coil. This texture is incredibly satisfying to eat and holds way more dressing than standard slices.
Flavor-wise, it’s a perfect balancing act. The cooling crunch of the cucumber and the creamy tang of the feta tame the heat of the harissa paste. It’s a healthy snack that doubles as a stunning side dish. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and low-carb, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy lunch ideas rotation.
The Spicy-Cool Lineup
- Persian Cucumbers: These mini cucumbers are best for this recipe because they have thin skins and tiny seeds. You can use English cucumbers, but slice them into smaller lengths first.
- Harissa Paste: A North African chili paste that’s smoky, spicy, and aromatic. You can use mild or spicy depending on your heat tolerance.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy, crumbly feta adds the necessary saltiness to contrast the heat.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness helps balance the spicy chili paste.
- Lemon & Garlic: Fresh zest and juice for brightness, plus raw garlic for a punch.
- Fresh Herbs: Dill or mint work beautifully here to cool things down.
Viral Spiral Cucumber Salad with Harissa Dressing & Feta
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 2 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Viral Spiral Cucumber Salad features fun, accordion-cut cucumbers tossed in a spicy-sweet Harissa Honey Dressing and topped with salty feta and fresh dill. It’s a crunchy, flavor-packed side dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
4–5 Persian cucumbers (mini cucumbers), washed and dried
1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh dill or mint, chopped
For the Harissa Dressing:
2 tablespoons harissa paste (mild or spicy, to taste)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Place a cucumber between two wooden chopsticks on a cutting board.
2. Make straight, vertical cuts about 1/8-inch apart all the way down the cucumber (the chopsticks will stop the knife from cutting all the way through).
3. Flip the cucumber over. Make diagonal cuts (45-degree angle) all the way down the cucumber.
4. Gently pull the cucumber ends to stretch it into a spiral. Repeat with the remaining cucumbers.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, grated garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
6. Place the spiral cucumbers in a serving bowl. Pour the dressing over them and toss gently to coat, ensuring the dressing gets into the cuts.
7. Top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh dill.
8. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Notes
If using large English cucumbers, cut them into 3-4 inch sections before spiralizing.
The chopsticks are essential for getting the cut right without slicing the cucumber in half!
Adjust the amount of harissa based on your spice tolerance.
For a vegan version, substitute the feta with diced avocado or vegan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/Viral
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
How to Spiralize (The Chopstick Method)
Step 1: The Setup: Place a Persian cucumber between a pair of wooden chopsticks. This prevents you from cutting all the way through.
Step 2: Side One: Make straight, vertical cuts all the way down the cucumber, spaced about 1/8 inch apart.
Step 3: Side Two: Flip the cucumber over. Make diagonal cuts (at a 45-degree angle) all the way down.
Step 4: The Reveal: Gently pull the ends apart. The cucumber should stretch out like a Slinky! Repeat with all cucumbers.
Step 5: The Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons harissa paste, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 grated garlic clove.
Step 6: Assemble: Place the cucumber spirals in a bowl. Pour the dressing over them, massaging it gently into the coils. Top generously with crumbled feta and fresh dill.
Make It Your Own
- Tame the Heat: If harissa is too spicy, swap it for chili crunch or a mix of paprika and cayenne.
- Vegan Swap: Use vegan feta or just skip the cheese and add avocado for creaminess.
- Add Protein: Serve this over Greek yogurt or whipped feta for a more substantial healthy lunch.
- Crunch Factor: Top with crushed pistachios or sesame seeds for extra texture.
Fun, Spicy, & Healthy
This Viral Spiral Cucumber Salad with Harissa Dressing is proof that playing with your food is a good idea. It’s spicy, refreshing, and honestly just really fun to eat.
