What's for dinner? Salad!

Yesterday my husband asked "What's for dinner" "Salad" I replied. I could tell from his lack of excitement that he wished I had said anything besides the "S" word. Don't get me wrong he loves salad but sometimes it does not give you that satisfied feeling. That is unless you have tried the Eating Well Cobb Salad. I made this the first time a few years ago on a hot summer night and we literally licked the plate clean. The salad is simple in design but complex in flavor. I substituted sauteed shrimp for chicken and used fake bacon (basically soy the color of bacon). This has become a family favorite for us and after I use the dreaded "S" word to describe dinner the next question is "are we having the really good salad?" I like to serve it with some crusty bread and my fabulous dipping oil. The dipping oil is so simple but guests will think they are being served something very special. Take a shallow plate and crush a clove or two of garlic (depending on your love of garlic), cut up 4 or 5 slices of sun-dried tomatoes- I prefer the ones NOT packed in oil and add whatever green herb you have on hand (my favorites are basil, rosemary or oregano). Fresh herbs are better but in a pinch I have used dried. Pour in enough extra virgin olive oil to cover the bottom of the plate, add a few grinds of fresh black pepper and a pinch of seat salt and you are done! If you have time to let this sit for an hour or so the flavors will meld and will be even better! We also have a tradtion of enjoying the salad with some presecco (a sparkling wine form Italy) we highly recommend this pairing.