From her New York Times bestseller Relish

Grilled Vegan Caesar Salad

You don’ t need anchovi es or Worchestershire sauce to make a Caesar worth its weight in gold. This vegan Caesar dressing works like a charm every time—and paired with grilled romaine and homemade garlic croutons, it makes for a special weeknight or weekend affair.

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 romaine lettuce hearts, cut in half lengthwise

Sea salt

1 cup Homemade Garlic

Croutons (recipe follows) or store-bought croutons

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 cup Vegan Caesar Dressing

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

2. Drizzle the oil over the surface of the lettuce, sprinkle it with salt, and place cut side up on the grill or grill pan for 30 seconds, just until grill marks form. Flip and grill the lettuce cut side down for 1 minute, until it is heated but not cooked and good grill marks have formed. Remove the lettuce to serving plates and top each with a portion of croutons, some parsley, and a drizzle of the dressing.

Vegan Caesar Dressing

makes 1 1/2 cups

4 medium garlic cloves, peeled

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)

2 tablespoons capers plus

1 tablespoon caper brine

1 tablespoon powdered mustard

A dash of vegan

Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds

1/3 cup slivered almonds

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (see DASH)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh-cracked black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

DASH

Nutritional yeast is a supplement often used by vegans and vegetarians as a valuable source of B complex vitamins, including B12, and protein. (Brewer’s yeast is very similar to nutritional yeast in B complex content except that it does not contain B12.)  In a strictly vegan diet, the addition of these vital nutrients through supplements is crucial to cell health and energy production. Even if you aren’t vegan, nutritional yeast is an excellent way to supplement your diet. I sprinkle it on popcorn and use it in this dressing to achieve a delightful nutty, cheesy flavor and rich, creamy consistency.

Enjoy!