Tomato Basil Chicken Salad

Ingredients

Croutons:

3 cups bread cubes from Panera Tomato Basil Bread

3 tablespoons olive oil

Basil Mayonnaise:

1 cup mayonnaise

2 cups loosely packed basil leaves

1 clove garlic

4 teaspoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

Salad:

3 lbs chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 pint tomatoes

½ lb bacon, cooked crisp and then crumbled

4 green onions, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves to garnish

Directions

Croutons:

Preheat oven to 350°. Place bread cubes on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat well. Season with salt to taste. Toast for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.

Basil Mayonnaise:

Combine mayonnaise, basil, garlic, lemon juice and salt in a blender. Process until well blended. Store in airtight container in refrigerator until serving.

Salad:

Combine the chicken, tomatoes, bacon, green onions and croutons in a large salad bowl. Add ½ cup Basil Mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Mix well. Garnish top of salad with a few fresh basil leaves.

Makes: 6 servings