Salad de Maison

My cousin prepared and served this salad at my baby shower in Arizona back in 2007. I am not kidding when I say that I have been thinking about it ever since! I finally decided to make it tonight and wow. WOW. This is so flavorful, and it's great as a side salad or main dish. The combination of lemon and garlic in the dressing reminds me a lot of Italy for some reason. That just tells you how incredible the flavor is! Enjoy!

Salad de Maison

Dressing:

Juice from 1 lemon (or 2 Tablespoons Pure Lemon Juice)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt (I used sea salt)

3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

Combine lemon juice, garlic, pepper and salt. Blend well, then add oil in a small stream, all the while blending rapidly with a fork, until all the oil has been added. (I used my Magic Bullet, or a food processor would also work). Let stand for 3 hours.

Salad:

2 heads romaine lettuce

4-5 strips bacon

1 cup swiss cheese, coarsely shredded

2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Croutons

Cut bacon into 2-inch strips and cook in frying pan. Drain. Combine lettuce, tomatoes, swiss cheese, bacon, almonds and parmesan cheese together in a large salad bowl. Toss together with dressing. Garnish with croutons. Serve immediately.