The Best Chopped Italian Salad!

I don't know about you guys...but my very favorite salad is a Chopped Italian salad.  I am very picky when it comes to this salad.  It must have pieces of white meat chicken, it must have some sort of small pasta, another must is a bit of bacon to add a smokey flavor.  Through the years I have been trying to perfect this salad...and I must say I believe I have accomplished this task!  My Best Chopped Italian Salad is a meal in itself....you need nothing else...it has its protein, it has its carbs, it has its vegies and some olive oil for a good fat!  Please try this salad....it is awesome!!



THE BEST CHOPPED ITALIAN SALAD 

For Salad:

• 1/2 lb. dittalini pasta or other small pasta
• 3 cups chicken - cooked and chopped into cubes (about 4 chicken breasts I like to grill)
• 3 heads of romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
• 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
• 5-6 oz. crumbled feta or blue cheese
• 1 cucumber chopped
• 1 zuchinni chopped
• 2 green onions chopped
• 1 TB. chopped red onion

 For Dressing:

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 TB. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. sugar or 1 packet of equal
• 1 TB. dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• fresh or dried basil to taste
• fresh or dried oregano to taste
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• crushed red pepper flakes to taste

 For Salad:

Place all salad ingredients in a large serving/salad bowl.  Toss to mix all ingredients up into bowl.


For Dressing:

1.   Add vinegar, lemon juice, sugar/equal and dijon mustard to a medium sized bowl.  Whisk together  well.
2. Slowly whisk in olive oil.
3. Add all seasoning and whisk well.
4. Serve over salad.