Romaine Salad with Rye Crisps and Lemon-Pecorino Vinaigrette

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the bread until coarse crumbs form. Spread the crumbs on a baking sheet and toss them with the oil, garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Roast the crumbs, tossing occasionally, until they’re golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Once cooled, the rye crisps can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. In a mini food processor, pulse all of the ingredients together until they’re well combined and the dressing has emulsified. (You can also whisk the dressing by hand.) Place the lettuce leaves in a large bowl and scatter them with the torn mint. Pour about 3/4 cup (180 ml) of the vinaigrette over the leaves, gently tossing until well coated, adding more dressing if needed. Transfer the salad to a platter and, using a fine grater, grate on additional cheese. Scatter with the rye crisps and remaining mint, and finish with freshly cracked pepper.

• or 5 slices day-old rye bread Notes: 4, 6-mm, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• extra-virgin olive oil Notes: 1/4 cup, 60 ml
• garlic Notes: 2 cloves, minced
• A few sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
• Pinch kosher salt
• grated Pecorino-Romano cheese Notes: 2/3 cup, 65 g, plus more for serving
• Champagne vinegar Notes: 1/3 cup, 75 ml
• fresh lemon juice Notes: 1/3 cup, 75 ml
• Dijon mustard Notes: 1 1/2 tablespoons
• kosher salt Notes: 2 teaspoons
• Freshly cracked pepper Notes: plus more for serving
• romaine hearts Notes: 3, ends trimmed, leaves separated, washed, and dried
• large handful fresh mint leaves Notes: 1, roughly torn, some reserved for serving