Paparazzi Chopped Salad

Makes 4 servings.

Nothing is particularly fancy or unusual about this salad, but when made with the best ingredients you can find, you simply can't get enough of it.

Dressing:
1 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 to 4 cloves finely minced garlic

Salad:
1 head romaine lettuce
1 cup diced tomato (1/4-inch dice)
1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
Thinly sliced red onion (garnish)

To make dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well and set aside. Dressing will separate; shake it again just before use.

To make salad: Thinly slice the romaine and then chop into small pieces. Toss romaine with the tomato, cucumber, olives and cheeses. Add ½ cup of the dressing and toss to mix well. Garnish with red onion slices.

Variations: For a more substantial salad add 1 cup finely diced cooked chicken breast or salami. Substitute feta cheese for the gorgonzola. Add other cooked vegetables such as green beans or summer squash.