Sure to Please: Zesty Italian Salad

This is one of our favorite salads, an important part of so many festive family gatherings during my childhood.

Ingredients:

In a large salad bowl, place an assortment of torn Romaine, bibb and green or red leaf lettuces, or spinach, enough to feed all the guests

Red onion, thinly sliced

Roasted sweet red peppers or chopped pimento

Quartered artichoke hearts

An assortment of chopped raw vegetables


Dressing:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar (or a mixture of red wine & balsamic vinegars to taste)
1- 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
1 -2 tsp chopped red onion
1 -2 tsp chopped Italian seasoning (or to taste)
Salt & pepper to taste
Grated Romano or Parmesan cheese to taste

Optional: 1-2 anchovies, mashed
¼ tsp sugar
Feta or grated Mozzarella cheese

Let dressing sit at least 15 minutes to blend flavors, then add to, and toss with salad ingredients.