This is, hands down, our favorite salad.My Aunt Susan is a woman who always brings celebration, excitement and laughter with her wherever she goes. Her voice always brings brightness of a happy Broadway actor announcing glad tidings from the edge of the stage to the furthest seat in the balcony. And she always brought this salad in a giant stainless steel bowl to Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers with the family. So when I see this salad, I hear her voice and see her curly hair bouncing with her laugh.
In a blender or jar, mix:
1/3 c. cider vinegar
¼ c. sugar
1 tsp. dried mustard
1 tsp. chopped red onion
While blending slowly, add
¾ c. vegetable oil (or alternative: ½ c. chicken stock)
Stir in:
1 – 2 tsp. poppy seeds
Pour over romaine, red onion, feta, pecans and canned mandarin orange slices.
