Wonderful salad for family gatherings, carry-ins, or the holiday
season.
½ cup white sugar
½ cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons diced onion
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
½ teaspoon salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 small red onion, sliced thin (optional)
1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (or mixed
or red leaf)
4 ounces Feta or Swiss Cheese
1 cup cashews or pecans (roasted is best, sugared is even
better!)
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 apple - peeled, cored and diced
1 pear - peeled, cored and sliced
In a blender or food processor, or with a hand mixer, combine sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. Process until well blended. With machine still running, add oil in a slow, steady stream until mixture is thick and smooth. Add poppy seeds, and process just a few seconds more to mix.
In a large
serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese,
cashews, dried cranberries, apple, and pear. Pour dressing over salad just
before serving, and toss to coat.