Fattoush Salad

If you are a salad lover, tell me you  can't love this salad?  This is from Insalata's Mediterranean Table Cookbook by Heidi Insalata Krahling.  OMG.. The dressing is really great. 

the vinaigrette::: 1/3 C blended oil(Which she believes is a 3 to 1 mix of canola oil to olive oil )

1tsp minced garlic

1/4 C fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/2 C EVOO

1 tsp kosher salt

3/4 tsp cumin seed, toasted and ground

1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper

To make the vinaigrette: In a small skillet, over low heat, gently warm the blended  oil and garlic until fragrant.  (This is an extra step but well worth it if you have time ) In a medium bowl , whisk together the oil and garlic mixture, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, cumin and pepper.  Taste and adjust the seasoning.

The salad:

In a large bowl, combine: 3 hearts of romaine, torn roughly by hand ( about 6 cups )

3/4 C crumbled sheep's milk feta cheese

3/4 C vine ripened cherry tomatoes, halved

3/4 C peeled, seeded and diced english cucumber

1/3 C pitted kalamata olives

1/3 C finely chopped cilantro

1/3 C finely chopped mint

Serves 6 as a side dish or 3 as a light lunch

She also serves this with toasted  pita breads that are crumbled and underneath the salad.,Personally I don't see a need for that.