Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Printable Version)

Smashed cucumbers with garlic, chili, sesame oil, and shredded rotisserie chicken for a fresh, protein-rich dish.

# 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 - ½ teaspoon MSG (optional, adjust to taste)
09 - 1 teaspoon sugar
10 - ½ 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 and 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 angled sections for visual appeal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix the smashed cucumbers with scallions and minced garlic.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, MSG, sugar, and chili flakes until well combined.
04 - Pour dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly. Allow to rest for 5 minutes for flavor melding.
05 - Arrange dressed cucumbers on a serving platter. Top generously with shredded rotisserie chicken, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and optional fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a complete meal that feels lighter than it actually is, packed with protein and vegetables that actually taste fresh.
  • The smashing technique creates pockets that trap dressing in ways sliced cucumbers never could, making every bite flavorful.
  • MSG and sesame oil do heavy lifting here, turning simple ingredients into something you'd order at a restaurant.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting period—those 5 minutes let the salt and acid penetrate the cucumber flesh instead of sitting on top, making every bite taste intentional.
  • The dressing should taste slightly aggressive on its own because the bland cucumber will soften it; if it seems mild before you combine everything, add a touch more vinegar or MSG.
03 -
  • Buy your rotisserie chicken warm and shred it by hand right before serving; it stays more tender and flavorful than sitting in the fridge overnight.
  • If you can't find good rotisserie chicken, poach a chicken breast and shred it with the same seasoning as the dressing mixed in—you'll get control over moisture and flavor that's actually better.
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