The Man Salad

This is my "go to recipe" when asked to bring a salad to a gathering. EVERYONE LOVES IT!

Salad:
1/8 red onion, finely sliced
1/2 cup slivered almonds
3 tablespoons sugar
1 bunch spinach
1 bunch romaine or red leaf
1/2 cup Swiss cheese
1/2 pound bacon, chopped in bite-sized pieces

Prepare bacon. Set aside and allow to cool. Cook almonds and sugar on low heat until all the sugar is melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Prepare remaining salad ingredients and refrigerate. Prepare the dressing.

Dressing:
(dressing has time to blend flavors if made the night prior to serving)
1/3 cup Balsamic vinegar or fresh lime juice
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
3/4 cup olive oil
1/8 cup Dijon mustard

Mix and refrigerate. Pour over salad and mix well right before serving.