Festive Tossed Salad

Dressing:
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 T lemon juice
2 T (or more) finely chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup olive oil
2-3 tsp poppy seeds

Salad:
10 cups torn romaine
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 medium apple, cored and cubed
1 pear, cored and cubed
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 - 1 cup chopped cashews

In a blender, blend the first 5 ingredients. While blending, gradually add oil. Add poppy seeds, blend. Assemble the rest and drizzle dressing to taste.