Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Print Version)

Smashed whole cucumbers with garlic, chili, sesame and shredded chicken in a savory dressing for a fresh dish.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Protein

04 - 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed

→ Dressing

05 - 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (use gluten-free if necessary)
06 - 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional, adjust to taste)
09 - 1 teaspoon granulated 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 whole cucumbers on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a chef’s knife, gently smash the cucumbers until they split but remain mostly intact. Cut into 2-inch angled sections for visual appeal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix smashed cucumbers, 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 the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly and let rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
05 - Transfer dressed cucumbers onto a serving platter. Top liberally with shredded rotisserie chicken, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smashed cucumbers soak up the dressing way better than slices ever could, giving you that perfect salty-savory-spicy bite in every forkful.
  • It comes together in about fifteen minutes, which means you can go from hungry to eating without any fussy prep work.
  • The rotisserie chicken does all the heavy lifting for protein, so this actually keeps you satisfied even though it feels light and refreshing.
02 -
  • Don't skip the five-minute rest—it sounds like nothing, but those minutes let the salt penetrate the cucumbers and everything melds into something that tastes way more coherent than if you eat it immediately.
  • Warm chicken will make the whole salad warm, which defeats the purpose; let your rotisserie chicken cool to room temperature first, or chill it slightly if you have time.
  • MSG isn't required, but if you're trying it for the first time, use just half a teaspoon and taste as you go; it's not about overwhelming heat, it's about deepening the savory notes.
03 -
  • The angled cut on the cucumbers isn't just for looks—it actually exposes more surface area, which means more dressing contact and more flavor in every bite.
  • If MSG makes you nervous, trust that a small amount actually rounds out the savory flavors in a way that salt alone can't; it's the umami backbone that makes this taste restaurant-quality.
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