Italian Romaine Salad

 

1

or 2 medium lemons

2

cloves garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2

tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

1/4

teaspoon salt

1/4

teaspoon pepper

1

large bunch or 2 small bunches romaine lettuce

1

small red onion

1

cup pitted kalamata olives or pitted jumbo ripe olives

1

jar (6 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, undrained

1/2

cup seasoned croutons

1/3

cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1 Roll each lemon on the countertop with the palm of your hand, using gentle pressure (this will help release the juices). Cut 1 lemon in half; squeeze juice from each half. Use enough lemons until you have 1/4 cup lemon juice. Peel and finely chop the garlic. In a tightly covered jar or container, shake lemon juice, garlic, oil, salt and pepper.
• 2 Remove any limp outer leaves from the romaine and discard. Break remaining leaves off the core; rinse with cool water. Shake off excess water and blot to dry, or roll up the leaves in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry. Tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. You will need about 10 cups of romaine pieces.
• 3 Peel the onion; slice onion and separate into rings.
• 4 In a large glass or plastic bowl, place the romaine, onion, olives and artichoke hearts (with liquid). Shake the vinaigrette again to mix ingredients. Pour vinaigrette over the salad ingredients, and toss with 2 large spoons or salad tongs until evenly coated.
• 5 Sprinkle the croutons and cheese over the salad. Serve immediately.