Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Printable)

Refreshing cucumber salad with garlic, chili, sesame oil, and shredded rotisserie 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 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)
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)

# Directions:

01 - Place whole cucumbers on a cutting board and gently smash them using a rolling pin or 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, sliced scallions, and minced garlic.
03 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, MSG, sugar, and chili flakes in a small bowl.
04 - Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss thoroughly to coat. Let rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
05 - Transfer dressed cucumbers onto a serving platter and top with shredded rotisserie chicken.
06 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that tastes thoughtfully made.
  • The smashed cucumber technique creates this incredible texture—crunchy but absorbent—that standard slicing never achieves.
  • MSG and sesame oil do the heavy lifting flavor-wise, so you get restaurant-quality depth without fussing over multiple components.
02 -
  • The smashing technique is what makes this different—sliced cucumbers are watery and forgettable, but smashed ones stay crispy and actually grip the dressing instead of releasing it.
  • Don't let the salad sit for longer than 15 minutes after dressing it, or the cucumber liquid will dilute the dressing and make everything soggy rather than bright.
  • The chicken needs to go on top at the very end, not mixed in, so it stays warm and doesn't absorb all the dressing before you eat it.
03 -
  • Whisk the dressing in a small bowl and taste it before combining with the cucumbers—this gives you control over salt and heat and prevents surprises.
  • Buy your rotisserie chicken from somewhere you trust; quality makes a visible and tasting difference in how the dish comes together.
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