Pancetta and Avocado Salad with Homemade Croutons

Name: Pancetta and Avocado Salad with Homemade Croutons
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: Dressing:; 60 ml extra virgin olive oil; 1 clove of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon oregano; 1/4 teaspoon of Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon wholegrain mustard; 2 teaspoons honey; Salt and pepper; Salad:; 300 g lettuce, shredded (or it’s also good with baby spinach leaves); 350 g diced pancetta; 3 avocados, cut into chunks; 300 g cherry tomatoes, quartered; 100 g sweetcorn; 2 yellow peppers, cut into chunks; Croutons:; 2 thick slices of bread (I used tiger bread that was a couple of days old); 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons of parsley, finely chopped; Salt and pepper

9 steps

Prep:10minCook:15min

Updated at: Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:06:45 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Good

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

High

Nutrition per serving

Calories1409.1 kcal (70%)

Total Fat116.2 g (166%)

Carbs64.3 g (25%)

Sugars17.2 g (19%)

Protein41.6 g (83%)

Sodium4261.1 mg (213%)

Fiber18.2 g (65%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 220°C / fan 200°C / 425° Line a baking sheet or tray with baking paper.

Step 2

Mix the oil, parsley and some salt and pepper together in a bowl.

Step 3

Cut the bread into cubes and add them to the bowl. Mix well to ensure all the bread is coated.

Step 4

Lay the bread out in a single layer on the tray and cook in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and crunchy. Leave to cool on the tray.

Step 5

Drizzle a tiny bit of oil in a pan and place over a medium heat. Add the pancetta and fry until golden and crispy. Spread out on some kitchen roll to drain and cool off slightly.

Step 6

Whisk the dressing ingredients together or put in a jar and shake to blend.

Step 7

Mix the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl and add enough dressing to coat everything – IF YOU HAVE ANY LEFT, DON’T WORRY AS THE REST WILL KEEP WELL IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER IN THE FRIDGE FOR UP TO A WEEK AND IS GOOD FOR DRESSING SIDE SALADS WTH OTHER MEALS.

Step 8

Add the pancetta to the salad and toss everything together well.

Step 9

Serve topped with some of the homemade croutons and an extra twist of black pepper.