Romaine with Manchego and Smoky Pepper Dressing

This salad, loosely inspired by classic Caesar salad, features a bread-thickened dressing evocative of romesco, a nutty, garlicky, olive oil-rich red sauce from Catalonia region of Spain. Romaine hearts, chopped smoked almonds and toasted bread supply the dish with lots of texture, while Manchego cheese brings saltiness and umami. The dressing also is great on steak, shrimp or grilled or roasted veggies, so consider making a double batch and saving some for later use (it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days; bring it to room temperature before use). Serve the salad as a side or a light main. Or to make it more substantial, toss in some shredded cooked chicken or top each portion with a runny-yolk soft-cooked egg.