Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Printable Version)

Crunchy smashed cucumbers with scallions, chili, and shredded chicken in a tangy sesame dressing.

# What You 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, 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 Make It:

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 they split but remain mostly intact. Cut into 2-inch angled sections.
02 - In a large bowl, mix smashed cucumbers, finely 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 and toss thoroughly. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
05 - Transfer dressed cucumbers to a serving platter and top evenly with shredded rotisserie chicken.
06 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less time than waiting for takeout and tastes just as bold and satisfying.
  • Smashing the cucumbers releases their juice and creates craggy edges that grab onto every bit of dressing.
  • The rotisserie chicken turns it into a real meal without any actual cooking.
  • You can adjust the heat and funk to exactly what your mood needs that day.
02 -
  • Don't skip smashing the cucumbers, slicing them whole won't give you the same texture or dressing coverage.
  • Let the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing so the flavors have time to soak in, but don't leave it longer than fifteen or it will get watery.
  • If your rotisserie chicken is cold from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for a few minutes so it doesn't chill the whole salad.
03 -
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons down the length of the cucumber for a more delicate texture.
  • Double the dressing and keep half in a jar for quick weeknight salads or grain bowls.
  • Chill your serving platter in the freezer for ten minutes before plating so everything stays cold and crisp longer.
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