Ritzy Green Salad

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Ingredients

• 1 (10 oz.) pkg Hearts of Romaine Lettuce
• 1 cup grated Swiss cheese (4 oz.)
• 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 or canola oil
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 cups homemade croutons, recipe follows (recipe makes more than needed, refrigerate or freeze extra for a later use)

Homemade Croutons

• 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

Yield: 6 servings

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, toss together lettuce, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, almonds and tomatoes, set aside.

In a blender combine vegetable oil, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, pepper and salt. Blend on low speed for 15 seconds. Pour mixture over salad and toss to evenly coat. Fold in croutons. Serve immediately.

Homemade Croutons

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cut bread into slices about 1 inch thick, then cut into 1 inch cubes. Place diced bread on a cookie sheet and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and pour toasted bread into a large mixing bowl.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine olive oil, parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Drizzle oil mixture over toasted bread. Toss to coat (I usually toss it for a few minutes to evenly coat). Return bread to cookie sheet and bake 15 – 18 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Source: Ritzy Green Salad – Cooking Classy 

Image Credit: Ritzy Green Salad

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