This salad is one of our “go to” salad recipes no matter the season and using My Olive Tree Extra Virgin Olive Oil makes it even better! It is always my husband’s first request for a “special salad.”
One of the things I love about this salad is that you really can make it your own! I have substituted Red Leaf Lettuce for spinach or a mix, I have added strawberries or blueberries during the summer, substituted golden raisins for cranberries, and/or substituted pecans for almonds.
Regardless, the bright color combinations are beautiful and festive and make a lovely presentation.
I prefer crisp green or gala apples. And if you squeeze a little lemon on the apple after you cut it it doesn't turn brown as quickly so you can make ahead and just add the dressing when you are ready to serve. Like most salads this does not store well once dressed.
You can also add grilled chicken for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. As you can tell it is versatile (and delicious!) which makes it convenient to use what you have on hand.
The only thing I do not recommend that you substitute is the blue cheese crumbles; the strong blue cheese flavor and this sweet dressing are a match made in heaven! 
Although, I might be slightly biased as our family possibly loves blue cheese as much as we love all things olive. Even our 4 legged fur child begs for blue cheese—she might have even licked it off a steak once that was in the warm drawer (whoops!). If you are totally opposed to blue cheese goat cheese might work but I have never tried it to be sure!
Red Leaf Lettuce Salad
Dressing:
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp. salt
3-5 Tbsp sugar
2-3 cloves of garlic crushed
Black pepper to tasteMix dressing in blender on high until well mixed.
Chill 8 hours or overnight. (I have chilled for less time but the more the better.)
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a partnership between the Evangelical community and the nation of Israel; this partnership will produce employment, income, and revenue for humanitarian aid projects in Israel. We envision the planting of one-million olive trees over the next seven years. This relationship was prophesied in the Bible centuries ago, that the foreigners and strangers (those not of Jewish descent) would help rebuild the walls of Israel and cause the desert to bloom (Isa 35:1). Among other things, this reforestation is an environmental blessing for the entire region. May all who participate in this project be blessed body, soul and spirit; it is time for you to take root in Israel!
2 bunches of Red Leaf Lettuce
1 apple chopped into small bites or thinly sliced
1 bunch of green onions (green part only)
8 oz blue cheese crumbles
Dried cranberries
Shaved or slivered almonds
