Simple & Delicious Tossed Salad

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for salad:
2 heads of romaine or other dark green lettuce
1 ½ cups tomato (any kind)
1 large cucumber, washed/sliced (peel if skin is tough)
Other vegetables as desired: asparagus (raw or cooked), lightly steamed green beans, slivered kale, microgreens, blanched broccoli florets, carrot slices, avocado cubes, raw summer squash, etc.
Croutons/other crispy items to soak up some dressing
Nuts or seeds (for crunch and nutrients)
Fruits: I love to add satsuma slices or strawberries
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for dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
Juice of one lemon
1/4 cup vinegar (balsamic, cider, red or white wine)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cloves of garlic, finely minced (strain if desired)
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

To wash the lettuce: Fill the sink with water. Submerge the lettuce in the water and swish it around to make sure that it doesn’t have any grit or other stuff on it. Lift out of the water and dry. (I like to spin mine in a lettuce spinner or set it out on towels to drain and then pat it dry).
Mix lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, and minced garlic in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Slowly drizzle oil into the bowl while you whisk it, vigorously.
Lightly dress the vegetables except the lettuce with this dressing (tomato and cucumber and anything else that you want to add to the salad).
Just before serving, toss the lettuce with the dressing and vegetables. Top with freshly grated cheese.

Helpful Hints

How much lettuce to serve per person? 2 cups
How much dressing is needed for 2 cups of lettuce? 1 Tablespoon
If you feel like the salad needs more dressing, add a little at a time. There is no going back!