Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Printable Version)

Crunchy cucumbers smashed and tossed with bold seasonings, topped with shredded rotisserie chicken.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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)
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. Gently smash with a rolling pin or flat side of a chef's knife until they split but remain mostly intact. Slice into 2-inch angled sections for visual appeal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine smashed cucumbers, 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 dressing over cucumber mixture. Toss to coat evenly and let sit 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 cilantro if using. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the rare salad where you actually crave the crunch and keep coming back for more.
  • That umami hit from MSG combined with sesame oil makes your taste buds feel like they're on vacation.
  • Rotisserie chicken means zero actual cooking, all the satisfaction.
02 -
  • Don't let this salad sit more than a few minutes after dressing it, or the cucumbers will start giving up their liquid and things get soggy—serve within five to ten minutes for maximum crunch.
  • The chicken temperature matters more than you'd think; warm chicken against cool cucumber is the whole point, so use rotisserie chicken straight from the store or reheat any leftover chicken gently.
03 -
  • Buy your rotisserie chicken on the way home and use it immediately while it's still warm; the temperature contrast with the cool cucumber is essential to the whole experience.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds if you have time—the difference between pre-toasted and freshly toasted is significant and worth the ninety seconds.
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