Tasty Tuesday - Taziki's Salad

This is one of my favorite dishes at a Greek restaurant here in Birmingham. My sweet friend Celeste somehow found the recipe and sent it my way. I've already made it once...there are a good many ingredients, but once you've made it...you can leave the salad dressing mixed up in a container to use later. It's a yummy meal and very filling. This recipe makes a ton so you could probably cut it in half.

Taziki's Salad

3 T fresh thyme, chopped
1 T shallot
1/2 C balsamic vinegar
Juice from one lemon
1 T dijon mustard
1 tsp sugar
1 1/2 C blended olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

6 C mixed lettuce
1 1/2 lb penne pasta, cooked
1/2 C balsamic vinegar
6 boneless skinless chicken breast (grilled & cubed)
3 tomatoes seeded & diced
1 handful fresh basil

vinaigrette:
Mix thyme, shallots, balsamic vinegar, lemon, sugar, mustard. Slowly whisk in oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Note: you can add a couple tsp of mayo and cut olive oil in half (makes it a little creamier and closer to the real taziki's dressing.

Place 1 C mixed lettuce on a plate. Toss cooked pasta and chicken with vinaigrette. Keep warm.
Spoon approximately 2-3 C pasta and chicken onto lettuce; top with diced tomato, feta and basil.