Sophie Harris, Senior Audience Writer at Spare Time, has revealed her go-to summer side dish: a Caesar pasta salad. She claims it is the one recipe she brings to every summer gathering, from BBQs to picnics, and it never fails to impress.
Why This Salad Stands Out
According to Harris, the salad combines the bold flavours of a classic Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta, making it more substantial. It is also extremely versatile and can be prepared ahead of time, perfect for entertaining. She notes that she always leaves with an empty bowl and someone always asks for the recipe.
Ingredients for a Large Serving Bowl
- 300g pasta
- Three sweet gem lettuces, chopped
- Eight rashers of streaky bacon
- Three cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 70g Parmesan, finely grated or shaved
- Croutons
For the Dressing
- 120g mayonnaise
- 60g Greek yoghurt
- Two tablespoons of lemon juice
- One tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- One garlic clove, finely grated
- 40g Parmesan, finely grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente according to packet instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside. Then cook the streaky bacon until crispy, and set it aside to cool. Cook your chicken according to the packet instructions; Harris often uses seasoned chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and Parmesan. Add a little cold water if needed to loosen it until it reaches a thick, pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, although you won't need too much of either.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing, along with the chicken and bacon, and toss everything together until well coated. Then add the chopped lettuce along with most of the Parmesan, tossing again until everything is mixed. Just before serving, fold through some croutons so they keep some of their texture.
Top with the remaining Parmesan and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve immediately, or chill for 20 to 30 minutes before serving if you prefer it cold. If making ahead, keep the croutons separate and stir them in just before serving.
Versatility and Tips
Harris emphasizes that the salad is extremely versatile and can be switched up with different ingredients. She also suggests making your own croutons for added texture. The recipe is designed to be easy and adaptable, making it a perfect choice for any summer event.
