Begin by thoroughly washing two large hearts of romaine lettuce under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner until they're crisp and moisture-free. Then, chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Next, incorporate one pint of halved cherry tomatoes, one small sliced cucumber, and one grated medium carrot into the bowl with the lettuce. Toss gently to combine these vibrant ingredients.

Now, add one small thinly sliced red onion and four ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl. Gently fold the mixture together, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together six tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Add one and a half teaspoons of Italian seasoning, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. Blend until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Pour the homemade vinaigrette over the prepared salad ingredients, and toss gently to coat all the vegetables with the dressing.

For the best texture and taste, serve your garden salad right away. Arrange it on individual plates or in a large bowl for sharing.