Cold Sesame Noodles

This is sort of an odd dish to make in the middle of the chilly So Cal winter (I kid) but it looked too good to pass up. I did change the recipe a bit as I HATE buying ingredients that will sit around until I make the same dish again (read: sambal oelek or chile paste with garlic). And, as it turns out, this ended up being totally delish, even with my changes!

Cold Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Cucumbers

Serves 6

Ingredients:

8 oz uncooked dried udon noodles
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 small rotisserie chicken, with skin removed
2 medium cucumbers, halved lengthwise and sliced
6 tablespoons chopped green onions
3 tablespoons chopped dry-roasted peanuts

Directions:

Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain.

Combine rice vinegar and the next 4 ingredients (through garlic) in a small bowl, and stir with a whisk. Add noodles, chicken, and cucumbers to a large bowl and toss gently with liquid. Top with green onions and peanuts.