Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Printable)

A crunchy cucumber Logan salad brightened with garlic, chili, sesame oil, and tender shredded chicken.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 whole Persian or mini cucumbers, 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 preferred)
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 and gently smash with a rolling pin or the flat side of a chef's knife until cracked but mostly intact. Cut into 2-inch diagonal sections.
02 - In a large bowl, mix smashed cucumbers with sliced scallions and minced garlic evenly.
03 - Whisk together light soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, MSG, sugar, and chili flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
04 - Pour dressing over cucumber mixture and toss thoroughly to coat. Let rest for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
05 - Transfer dressed cucumbers to a serving platter, top with shredded rotisserie chicken, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if using. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes less time to make than waiting for takeout, and tastes just as bold and exciting.
  • Smashing cucumbers is genuinely therapeutic after a long day, plus it helps them soak up all that garlicky, spicy dressing.
  • The rotisserie chicken turns it into a full meal without any actual cooking required.
02 -
  • Don't skip the smashing step, it's not just for fun, it creates more surface area for the dressing to cling to and makes the cucumbers way more flavorful.
  • If you let the salad sit too long, the cucumbers will release too much water and dilute the dressing, so eat it within an hour of making it.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a few seconds until they smell nutty and turn golden, it makes a huge difference in flavor.
  • If you don't have MSG, add a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of mushroom powder for that same savory depth.
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