Spinach Salad

salad:
1 bunch romaine lettuce
1 bunch spinach
3/4 lb. grated Swiss Cheese
1 small chopped red onion
1/2 lb. cook and crumbled bacon (Oscar Meyer turkey bacon can also be used)
1 8 oz. can mandarin oranges
1/2 c. slivered almonds
3 Tbsp. sugar (must use real sugar)
3/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. prepared mustard (plain yellow works the best)

Cook sugar and almonds over low heat until sugar melts and is light brown (it happens fast so don't walk away or they will burn) Spread cooked almonds over parchment paper or a silicone mat and let cool. Wash and drain lettuce and spinach. Cut or break into pieces, place on paper towel and dry lightly. Mix lettuce, cheese, onion. Sprinkle almonds, bacon, and oranges on top.

Dressing: (A great alternative is Vidalia Onion Dressing I buy at Sam's club)
3/4 Tbsp. poppy seeds
1/3 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup oil (vegetable, canola, olive - it doesn't matter)
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. onion powder

Mix dressing together, pour over salad and toss just before serving. *I have substituted Splenda for the sugar and reduced the oil to 1/3 cup with good success.