Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Printer View)

A refreshing crunchy cucumber dish with garlic, chili, sesame oil, and shredded chicken topping.

# 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 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, 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)

# Method:

01 - Place whole cucumbers on a cutting board. Gently smash them with a rolling pin or flat side of a chef's knife until they split but remain mostly whole. Cut into 2-inch diagonal sections for presentation.
02 - In a large bowl, mix the smashed cucumbers with finely 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 well combined.
04 - Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Transfer the dressed cucumbers to a serving platter. Top generously with shredded rotisserie chicken, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less time than waiting for delivery and tastes twice as satisfying.
  • Smashing cucumbers with a rolling pin is weirdly therapeutic after a long day.
  • The rotisserie chicken turns it into a full meal without any actual cooking.
  • You can adjust the heat and saltiness on the fly, so it always tastes exactly how you want it.
02 -
  • If you don't smash the cucumbers hard enough, they won't absorb the dressing and you'll just have slippery cucumber coins.
  • Letting the salad sit longer than ten minutes makes it soupy, so dress it right before you eat.
  • Cold chicken tastes wrong here, let it come to room temp or warm it slightly in the microwave for twenty seconds.
03 -
  • Chill your serving bowl in the freezer for ten minutes before plating, it keeps everything colder longer.
  • If you don't have a rolling pin, use a can of beans or a wine bottle to smash the cucumbers.
  • Double the dressing and save half in a jar, it's perfect for quick stir-fries or drizzling over rice bowls later in the week.
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