Italian Chopped Salad    

dressing:

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil or a neutral tasting oil like corn oil

2 tablespoons honey

2 - 3 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

coarse salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

salad:

1/4 cup finely diced red onion

3/4 cup chopped artichoke hearts

3/4 cup diced plum tomatoes, seeds removed

3/4 cup diced cucumber, seeds removed

3/4 cup chopped pepperoni or salami

3/4 cup diced mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup sliced or chopped black olives

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cooked small pasta

8 cups finely chopped romaine hearts or romaine/iceberg mix

coarse salt and fresh black pepper

red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

Make the dressing:

1.Pulse all the dressing ingredients together except salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate.

Make the salad:

2.In a large mixing bowl toss everything together except the romaine salt, pepper and red pepper.

3.When ready to serve toss with the romaine then mix in dressing a little at a time until everything is evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper and red pepper flakes, if desired.