Winter Salad

This salad is soooo fresh and delicious tasting.  The only reason I can think of why it's called a Winter Salad is because it is red and green...like Christmas. :-)

This makes salad for a large crowd.  For just 2 or 3 people, make only 1/3 of the recipe--1 heart of romaine.

SALAD

3 hearts of romaine lettuce
2 crisp apples, diced
2 pears, diced (crisp but ripe--I use asian pears)
1/2 c dried cranberries OR 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
3/4 cup cashew halves OR toasted almonds
1 cup grated Swiss cheese (I use baby Swiss OR TJ's Swiss and Guyère)
1/2 small red onion (or less) thinly sliced


DRESSING (make ahead and chill)

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar (I probably put about 1/3)
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 c vegetable oil
1 T poppy seeds, added at the end

Make in blender.  Chill well.  Dress salad just before serving.