Apple-swiss cheese salad with poppy seed dressing

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

DRESSING:

1/3 cup white wine vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon prepared yellow or brown mustard

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1/2 cup vegetable oil such as canola

SALAD:

1 head red leaf lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces

2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and diced

4 ounces grated Swiss cheese

4 ounces roasted and salted cashew halves or pieces

To prepare dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard, onion powder and poppy seeds; process or blend for 30 seconds. While machine is running, slowly pour oil through the feed tube and process or blend until smooth.

To prepare salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, apples and cheese. Pour on desired amount of dressing and toss to coat, sprinkle cashews over salad and serve immediately.

Nutrition facts per serving: 476 calories, 34 g fat, 7 g saturated fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 36 g carbohydrates, 11 g protein, 174 mg sodium, 5 g fiber

Phyllis Osterman, West Chicago