CHICKEN, TOMATO, AND PASTA SALAD WITH BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Chicken, Tomato, and Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette image

Provided by Ming Tsai

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup Basil Oil, recipe follows
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cooked chicken, picked off of the bone, skin and all, shredded
4 cups blanched fusilli pasta
2 large ripe tomatoes, medium dice
1/2 bunch Thai basil, picked, reserve a few tops, for garnish
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 limes, juiced
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1 cup canola oil
2 cups Thai basil leaves
Salt and black pepper

Steps:

In a blender, add the Dijon and vinegars and blend. Drizzle in the oils to emulsify. In a large salad bowl, toss the chicken, pasta, tomatoes and basil. Season with salt and black pepper. Check for flavor.
In a large pasta bowl, plate the entire salad and garnish with basil tops.
In a blender, puree garlic, ginger, lime juice, salt, and sugar and oil until smooth. Do not overmix thereby heating the mixture. Add the basil and puree smooth. Check for seasoning.