Whole Cucumber Logan Salad (Printable)

Crunchy smashed cucumbers mixed with scallions, garlic, and a spicy sesame dressing, topped with shredded chicken.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 whole Persian or mini cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber), washed
02 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

→ Protein

04 - 1 cup rotisserie chicken, skin removed and shredded

→ 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)

# How To Make It:

01 - Place whole cucumbers on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin or flat side of a chef's knife, gently smash until split but mostly whole. Cut into 2-inch angled sections.
02 - In a large bowl, mix smashed cucumbers with 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 dressing over cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly. Let rest for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
05 - Transfer dressed cucumbers to serving platter and top with shredded rotisserie chicken.
06 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves on top. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Its fast enough to make when youre hangry and your brain has clocked out for the day.
  • Smashing cucumbers with a rolling pin is genuinely fun and way more satisfying than chopping them neatly.
  • The dressing clings to all those craggy cucumber edges, so every bite tastes like something.
  • Rotisserie chicken turns it from a side dish into an actual meal without any extra work.
02 -
  • Dont skip the smashing step, chopped cucumbers wont hold the dressing the same way and youll lose that satisfying crunch.
  • Let the salad sit for exactly 5 minutes, any longer and the cucumbers start weeping water and the whole thing gets soupy.
  • Taste the dressing before you toss it, everyones soy sauce and chili tolerance is different and its way easier to adjust now than after everything is mixed.
03 -
  • Chill your cucumbers in the fridge before smashing, cold cucumbers stay crispier and taste more refreshing.
  • Use your hands to toss the salad instead of tongs, you can feel when everything is evenly coated and it mixes better.
  • If youre making this ahead, keep the chicken separate and add it right before serving so it doesnt get soggy.
Return