Simple Italian Side Salad with Herbed Garlic Dressing

Salads are almost a necessary side to any pasta dish. This Simple Italian Side Salad is on par with those great ones you get at Italian restaurants. And even though it is so simple to make,it tastes like it was made amazing! Add some breadstickes and this could be an entire meal! Tonight however, I served with Sausage 3-Cheese Stuffed Shells.

Salad Ingredients:

• 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 diced tomato
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 4 whole pepperocinis
• 6-8 whole green olives
• Black olives, optional
• Herbed Garlic Dressing (recipe to follow)
• Feta cheese (or whatever cheese you prefer)

Herbed Garlic Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vinegar (I prefer apple cider, but you can use whatever you have on hand)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried chives (if you don't have the chives, just use more of the above spices)
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 3/4 cup of good olive oil

In a food processor, mix together all ingredients except oil. Using the attachment, slowly add the oil until it is well blended. If you do not have a food processor, you can do this in a bowl with a whisk. Store the dressing in a mason jar or other glass jar. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

In a large serving bowl, mix together the green, veggies and cheese. Toss with desired amount of the salad dressing. Serve salad immediately, store the rest of the dressing in the refrigerator.

Yum!

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