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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Romaine with Manchego and Smoky Pepper Dressing

4 to 6 Servings

30 minutes

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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.

4 to 6

Servings

Tip

Don’t use a baguette with a fluffy, cottony crumb. Bread with a hearty, rustic crumb is best here, not only for lending body to the dressing but also for yielding croutons that add crunch to the salad.

30 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½

    cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 2

    ounces rustic baguette, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 12 slices)

Directions

Reviews
Keen Y.
October 6, 2025
Party dinner starter favorite.
I doubled the recipie as written. I had to add well more than 6 tablespoons of water to get what I thought was a pourable consistency. It was a big hit to go along with a pasta alla gricia, and there was none left after dinner. We'll be making this one again.
Keen Y.
September 23, 2025
Big hit at birthday party!
I doubled the recipe, and followed it exactly as written. Got the Manchego on Amazon, as I couldn't find it locally. Used about 2/3 of the dressing. We had 10 people, and there was none left at the end. Many had second helpings, even though it was served with a rich pasta dish. Everyone loved it, even the teenager! Thanks Milk Street!
Kathleen P.
July 22, 2024
Quite good!
I’ve held off on making this due to the negative reviews, but I liked it very much. I enjoy intense and unusual flavors.
Holly S.
March 22, 2024
Dissapointed
I really wanted to like this but the dressing is too thick and the taste isn't anything special
JANET C.
June 20, 2026
A little bummed
I had such high hopes for this dressing given the ingredients and its pairing with so many other dishes. I followed the recipe to a T but even with the added water, it was too thick and lacking in any interesting flavor.

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