Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Print Version)

Smashed cucumbers with scallions, garlic, a savory dressing, and shredded chicken for a crunchy, fresh dish.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 whole Persian or mini cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber), washed
02 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

→ Protein

04 - 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed

→ Dressing

05 - 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
06 - 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional, adjust to taste)
09 - 1 teaspoon sugar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or chili crisp (to taste)

→ Garnish

11 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
12 - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place cucumbers on a cutting board and gently smash them using a rolling pin or flat side of a chef’s knife until slightly split but mostly whole. Cut into 2-inch sections on an angle.
02 - In a large bowl, mix the smashed cucumbers with sliced scallions and minced garlic.
03 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, MSG, sugar, and chili flakes in a small bowl.
04 - Pour dressing over cucumber mixture and toss thoroughly to coat. Let rest for 5 minutes to enhance flavors.
05 - Transfer dressed cucumbers to a serving platter and top generously with shredded rotisserie chicken.
06 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves over the top. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes barely any effort but tastes like you planned it all week, perfect for hot days when cooking feels impossible.
  • The smashed cucumbers soak up the dressing in a way sliced ones never could, giving you bursts of flavor in every bite.
  • Rotisserie chicken makes it filling without turning on the stove, and the MSG gives it that restaurant-level savory punch.
02 -
  • Don't skip smashing the cucumbers, slicing them neatly won't give you the same craggy surface that holds onto the dressing.
  • Let the salad sit for those 5 minutes before adding the chicken, it makes the cucumbers taste deeper and more alive.
  • If your rotisserie chicken is cold from the fridge, that's perfect, the contrast with the cool cucumbers is part of the magic.
03 -
  • Use the flattest part of your knife to smash the cucumbers so you have more control and don't send them flying off the board.
  • If you can't find MSG or prefer to skip it, a small splash of fish sauce will give you a similar savory depth.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling, the extra nuttiness makes a noticeable difference.
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