Eccentric Caesar Salad

Makes: 6 servings

FOR THE CAESAR DRESSING:

1/2 cup raw cashews

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

3 tbsp nutritional yeast 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 large clove garlic

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp curry powder

Freshly ground black pepper FOR THE SALAD:

2 large heads romaine, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces

2 cups croutons (recipe follows)

1 ripe avocado, medium dice

1/2 cup hemp seeds

1/3 cup capers, drained

1. To make dressing: Combine the cashews, oil, lemon juice, yeast, mustard, garlic, salt, curry powder, and pepper in a food processor and add 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp warm water. Process until mixture is very smooth, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice.

2. To make the salad: Toss the romaine with 1/2 cup of the dressing. Add more to taste if desired (extra dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.) Divide the lettuce among 6 plates and top each with some of the croutons, avocado, hemp seeds and capers.