©Photographed by Lea Loveland.

Sometimes all I feel like eating during summertime is salad–especially during those dreaded heatwaves. How about you? So my terrific intern, Lea Loveland, came to the rescue. We teamed up to create this really refreshing appetizer salad. We took an iceberg wedge salad recipe and gave it a thoroughly modern, plant-centered, eye-catching update. One of my favorite parts is using hickory smoked almonds instead of bacon. Much friendlier for the arteries! Lea says, “Don’t be fooled by this lighter dressing because it’s full o’ flavor.” Please let us know what you think. Our take … it’s super tasty!

romaine wedge salad with avocado dressing & smoked almonds

Makes 4 servings: 1 wedge each

2 large romaine hearts, halved lengthwise
1 recipe dilly avocado dressing (see below)*
8 heirloom cherry tomatoes, various colors, thinly sliced or quartered
2 ounces vegan blue cheese-style crumbles
1 1/2 ounces hickory smoked almonds (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Place a halved romaine heart, cut side up, onto each salad plate. Drizzle with the dressing.  Sprinkle with the tomatoes, vegan blue cheese, almonds, and pepper. Adjust seasoning, and serve.

Per serving (with dressing): 210 calories, 16g total fat, 5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium,12g total carbohydrate, 4g dietary fiber 4g sugars, 7g protein

dilly avocado dressing

Makes 4 servings: 1/4 cup each

Ingredients

• 1/2 Hass avocado, pitted and peeled
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsweetened green tea, chilled
• 1 ounce vegan blue cheese-style crumbles
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (1 1/2 tablespoons), or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill, or to taste

Directions

1. Add all ingredients except the dill to a blender container. Cover and puree.
2. Stir in the dill and adjust seasoning.
3. Use immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes 1 cup.

Culinary Nutrition Tips!

• To “stretch” a salad dressing, try unsweetened green tea; it provides zero calories, antioxidants, and aromatic flair
• Create nutrient-rich creaminess while boosting deliciousness in a salad dressing with Hass avocadoes
• For a good-for-you crunchy, salty, and smoky salad topping in place of greasy bacon, don’t go for “fake” bacon; keep it real and sprinkle on hickory smoked almonds
• Rather than eliminating cheese or using a lower fat option, keep it 100% natural and reach for a stronger flavor variety so you can use a little less but still have 100% flavor