CHOPPED SALAD
Cucina! Cucina! Copycat Recipe
Serves 8
Italian Vinaigrette
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
1 cup olive oil
Salad
4 ounces cooked chickpeas, lightly chopped
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup fresh basil leaf, chopped
1 cup coarsely grated mozzarella cheese
12 ounces diced poached chicken breasts
8 ounces dry wine salami, diced
8 ounces plum tomatoes, diced, divided
1/2 cup grated provolone cheese, divided
3 thin green onions, thinly sliced, divided
8 lettuce leaves
To prepare vinaigrette: Combine egg yolk and water in a small bowl; whisk well. Cover the bowl with a small plate and microwave on HIGH for 10 seconds or until the mixture starts to expand. Continue to cook 5 seconds longer. Whisk with a clean whisk. Cover, then cook on high for 5 seconds. Remove from the microwave, whisk with a clean whisk, cover and let sit 1 minute. (This process heats the egg enough to kill any harmful bacteria.).
In a food processor, combine egg mixture, Dijon, garlic, salt, pepper, dry mustard, oregano, sugar, vinegar and lemon juice; process to blend. Blend in grated parmesan if you choose to add it. Slowly add olive oil, processing until emulsified. Set aside.
To prepare salad: Combine chickpeas, iceberg lettuce, basil, mozzarella, chicken, salami, half of the tomatoes, half of the provolone and half of the green onions. Toss with dressing. (You may not need all of the dressing. Refrigerate any that remains.).
To serve: Divide evenly among 8 lettuce-lined plates. Garnish with remaining tomatoes, provolone and green onions.