BLT Caesar Pasta Salad

There isn't a better dish to make on hot nights when you want something a little more filling than just a salad.

Original recipe source

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic grated
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 0 salt
• 0 black pepper
• 2 cups ciabatta bread torn
• 1 clove garlic sliced or grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0 salt
• 1 pound pasta
• 1 pound pasta
• 1 cup spicy cheddar cheese cubed
• 1 head romaine lettuce shredded
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
• 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups ciabatta bread toasted croutons
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn

Instructions

1. To make the dressing, combine mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese in a glass jar. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss together ciabatta bread, sliced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bread is toasted.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain.
4. In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta with the prepared Caesar dressing and spicy cheddar cheese cubes. Mix well.
5. Add shredded romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and toasted ciabatta croutons to the pasta. Toss everything together until combined.
6. Garnish the salad with torn fresh basil leaves before serving.