Tomato Basil Chicken Salad

When it comes to natural, flavorful food combinations, fresh basil and tomatoes are a classic.  News On 6 and Sue Stees with Panera Bread combined them with chicken in a salad great for spring or summer.  Sue Stees also talked about Panera Bread's Knead to Succeed program. 

Monday, April 7th 2008, 2:22 pm

By: News On 6

Salad:

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
½ pound bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
4 scallions, chopped
3 pounds chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
Basil leaves for garnish

Croutons:

3 cups bread cubes from thick-sliced Tomato Basil loaf from Panera Bread
3 T. oil
Place bread cubes on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat well. Season with salt. Toast at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Basil Mayonnaise:
1-cup mayonnaise
2 cups loosely packed basil leaves
1 clove garlic
4 tsp. lemon juice
½ tsp. salt

Directions:

Combine mayonnaise, basil, garlic, lemon juice and salt in a blender. Process until well blended. Store in airtight container in refrigerator until serving time.
To assemble salad:
Combine the chicken, tomatoes, scallions, bacon, and croutons in a large salad bowl. Add ½ cup Basil Mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Mix well. Garnish top with a few basil leaves.

Serves 6.

Source: Panera Bread