Fake It >> Trader Joe's Grilled Chicken Salad with Honey-Basil Dressing

Fake It >> Trader Joe's Grilled Chicken Salad

with Honey-Basil Dressing

Actually, I have to admit that I can't remember the name of Trader Joe's salad; it's one of the little pre-packaged lunch salads (with the dressing on the side) in the clam-shell containers in their deli section.  I happened on to it one summer day in 2010 when I was all by my lonesome at lunchtime--and that's a dangerous thing!  I immediately fell in love with the crunch of the Salad and the flavor of the Dressing.  I think I all but licked out the container when I was finished!  Then I went to work to recreate the Salad and Dressing.  The Salad was easy--I could see what was in it and it was clearly posted on the ingredient label in order of weight.  The Dressing was a little bit harder, but thankfully TJ's doesn't use all the un-pronounceable things that I wouldn't have a clue how to replicate.  I think this is pretty close to the Original Salad.

For the Salad (and you can vary the amounts to suit your taste):

Chopped Romaine Lettuce

Grilled Chicken

Israeli Couscous (I use about 3 dry Tablespoons, cooked in about 1 1/2 Cups Boiling Water until al dente, then drain the water.  Orzo or Acini de Pepe would work if you can't find Israeli Couscous)

Fresh Corn

Red Cabbage

Asiago Cheese

Sliced Green Onion

Dried Currants (I use dried blueberries)

Diced Red Bell Pepper

For the Honey-Basil Dressing:
2  Cloves  Garlic
2  Cups  packed fresh Basil
1 1/2  Tablespoons  Chopped Shallot
1/4  Cup  Balsamic Vinegar (use White Balsamic if you can, regular will make the Dressing dark-colored)
1/4  teaspoon  Salt
1/4  teaspoon  Black Pepper
Dash  Cayenne Pepper
1/3  Cup  Mayonnaise
1/4  Cup  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2-3  Tablespoons  Honey

Blend all in blender or food processor until smooth.  Makes about 1-1/4  Cups.

Funny.
There wasn't much left to photograph.
Oh well, make more next time!