Italian Garden Salad

If you have ever had Olive Garden's soup and salad lunch, this salad comes real close to that. My Daughter said she thinks this salad dressing tastes better than theirs!

Salad Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup white vinegar

1 tsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. corn syrup

2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp. freshly grated Romano cheese

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. parsley flakes

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

sugar (optional)*

Whisk all ingredients together until well blended. Chill for at least an hour for the flavors to blend

*Personally I like it just like that, but if you feel it's just a little too tart add a pinch or two of sugar.

For the Salad:

1 bag American blend salad (or one that is mostly Iceberg lettuce)

4-5 thinly sliced red onion rings

4-6 Kalamata olives

2-4 Pepperoncini peppers (can also use banana peppers)

1/2 cup seasoned croutons

1 small tomato quartered

freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

salad Dressing

Chill large salad bowl in freezer for at least 30 minutes. Place bag of salad in bowl. Place on top of lettuce, red onion, Kalamata olives, Pepperoncini peppers, tomatoes, and croutons. Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like, pour entire salad dressing mixture over the top. Mix thoroughly at the table.