Ingredients
SALAD
2 heads heads cos lettuce
15 ml avocado oil or olive oil (avocado is best for grilling because of its high smoke point)
1 pinch each sea salt and black pepper
Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
BEANS
425 g can white or butter beans (rinsed and drained)
1 clove minced garlic
15 ml lemon juice
15 ml olive oil or avocado oil
DRESSING
120 g raw cashews
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp each sea salt + black pepper (plus more to taste)
8-12 medium cloves fresh garlic (chopped)
4 tsp capers in brine
2 tsp brine juice from capers
90 ml lemon juice (2 large lemons)
45-60 ml olive oil
1 tsp chickpea (or soy) miso paste (optional)
1 tsp pure maple syrup
120 ml hot water (plus more to thin)
STEP 1
If using a grill, heat your grill at this time or get out a grill pan. Prepare the Cos by leaving whole, but removing any bruised or broken leaves. Then rinse the head of lettuce to remove any dirt. Pat dry with a clean towel.
STEP 2
Use a knife to carefully cut the cos heads in half lengthwise and use a paper or cloth towel to clean any remaining bits of dirt from the inner leaves. Then arrange on a baking sheet and lightly drizzle the cut sides with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside.
STEP 3
In the meantime, add rinsed and drained white beans to a small mixing bowl along with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon for acidity, salt to taste, or garlic for zing. Set aside.
STEP 4
Next, prepare dressing. Add raw cashews, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, fresh garlic, capers, brine juice (from capers), lemon, olive oil, miso paste (optional), maple syrup, and hot water to a small or high-speed blender. Blend until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Add enough water to thin until pourable. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon for acidity, salt to taste, maple syrup for sweetness, or garlic for zing. Set aside.
If using a grill pan, heat over high heat now and lightly coat surface with oil. Then place cos on the hot grill or grill pan and grill for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until there are visible grill marks. Turn carefully as it gets a little fragile when exposed to the heat.
STEP 5
Remove cos and transfer to a large cutting board. Top with white beans and desired amount of dressing. Parmesan cheese and extra parsley make excellent garnishes (optional). Once the salad is dressed, we recommend chopping into large bites with a knife, lightly tossing on the cutting board, and transferring to a serving bowl or platter!
Recipe by Minimalist Baker