Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Printable Version)

Smashed cucumbers tossed with garlic, chili, sesame, and topped with shredded chicken for a fresh dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Protein

04 - 1 cup rotisserie chicken, skin removed and shredded

→ Dressing

05 - 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if required)
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)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place whole cucumbers on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a chef's knife, gently smash them until they split but remain mostly whole. Cut into 2-inch angled sections for visual appeal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix smashed cucumbers, sliced scallions, and minced garlic.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, MSG, sugar, and chili flakes until fully combined.
04 - Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss thoroughly to coat. Let it rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
05 - Transfer dressed cucumbers to a serving platter. Top generously with shredded rotisserie chicken. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Its wildly satisfying to smash cucumbers after a long day, and the rough texture grabs every bit of garlicky, spicy dressing.
  • You get a full meal in 15 minutes without turning on a single burner, perfect for sweltering evenings or lazy weekends.
  • The balance of cool cucumber, umami from MSG, and heat from chili makes every bite feel bright and alive.
02 -
  • Don't skip the smashing step, it's not just for fun, the cracks and crevices let the dressing seep into every bite instead of sliding off.
  • If you use a large English cucumber, scoop out the seeds with a spoon after smashing to avoid a watery salad.
  • Letting the cucumbers marinate for exactly 5 minutes is the sweet spot, any longer and they start to lose their crunch.
03 -
  • Use the side of your knife to smash the garlic cloves first, then mince them, it releases more flavor and makes chopping easier.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes until fragrant, the difference in flavor is night and day compared to pre-toasted ones.
  • If you love heat, stir a spoonful of chili crisp directly into the dressing for an extra layer of texture and spice.
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