Italian Chopped Salad

I saw this black and white check cloth at Pat's Back Porch Musing and loved it.  Luckily, I was able to find it on clearance at Kohl's, where Pat had found it.   Wine goblets are from Ross.  Chargers are from Pottery Barn, several years ago, on clearance.  White plates are Mikasa English Countryside and red salad plates are from Target.  Glass hurricane is from Target and I filled it with wine corks.

Salad Bowl is from Holland, MI, and is over 30 years old.

If you've ever enjoyed  the chopped salad at Maggiano's, this is a similar recipe that I found on the Internet after tasting my dear DIL's version.    It's full of great ingredients and is a meal in itself.  Add some great garlic bread and a glass of wine, and you'll be transported to Italy.  Here's the recipe:
Dressing:                                                                                             
1 1/2 t. dry mustard powder

This towel "napkin" is from Dollar Tree.

2 T sugar or equivalent or sugar substitute
1/4 c. water
1 1/2 t. minced garlic
2 T. red wine vinegar
1/4 c. white vinegar
salt to taste

Combine all the above ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix. 

Slowly add:

3/4 c. canola oil
1/2 c. olive oil

Now add and mix:                                        

1/2 t. crushed red pepper
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
3/4 t. dried oregano
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

Pour into a jar or container and refrigerate until serving time.

                                                                                      
For the Salad:  (use however much you like)

Lettuce, iceberg, romaine or a mixture of the two
red onion, sliced
avocado, diced
tomato, chopped
blue cheese, crumbled
Prosciutto, fried until crispy ( I used cooked, crumbled bacon)
chicken, cooked and chopped, optional

Put all in a large bowl.  Drizzle on the salad dressing and mix until coated.

Yummy garlic bread!

I am sharing this with these lovely linky parties:

Mix It Up Monday!
On the Menu Monday
You're Gonna Love It!
Cowgirl Up
Tabletop Tuesday
Let's Dish!
Full Plate Thursday
Tablescape Thursday
Potpourri Friday
Foodie Friday
Weekend Potluck
Seasonal Sundays