Ritzy Green Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pkg Hearts of Romaine Lettuce
• 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 7 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, diced into halves
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp onion powder, optional
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
• 3 cups homemade croutons, recipe follows, recipe makes more than needed, refrigerate or freeze extra for a later use
• 1/2 loaf day old french bread
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place the lettuce in a large bowl with the Swiss cheese, Parmesan, crumbled bacon, almonds, and tomatoes, then toss gently and leave it waiting for the dressing. Pour the vegetable oil and extra virgin olive oil into a blender, then add the lemon juice, the minced garlic, onion powder, pepper, and salt; blend on low for 15 seconds. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated. Tuck in the croutons last, folding them through, and serve right away.