The most amazing avocado pasta salad

Step 1

Pre-heat the oven to 220°C/430°F (200°C fan-forced).

Step 2

Bacon: Place bacon slices on a rack set on an oven tray. Bake 20 minutes or until deep golden and crispy, then remove from the oven and let it cool - it will get crispier. Then chop into 1 cm / 1/3" pieces.

Step 3

Pound chicken: Cover chicken with baking paper then pound to 1.5 cm / 3/5" even thickness using a meat mallet, rolling pin or cast iron pan.

Step 4

Season: Mix the paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Place chicken on a baking tray, drizzle then rub with half the oil. Sprinkle with seasoning, then repeat on the other side.

Step 5

Bake the chicken for 12 minutes or until the internal temperature is 67°C/153°F. Remove from the tray and rest for 5 minutes then cut into 4 x 1cm / 2.5 x 1/2" pieces.

Step 6

Bring a large pot of water to the boil then add the 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta per the packet time plus 2 minutes (Note 5).

Step 7

Drain, rinse under water then leave to drain well and cool.

Step 8

9 minutes: Bring a large saucepan of water to boil. Lower eggs in using a slotted spoon then start the timer for 9 minutes. Reduce stove heat so eggs are not bouncing around so much that the shells crack.

Step 9

Peel in cold water: Remove eggs using a slotted spoon into a large bowl or sink of cold water (iced water is best, but I never waste ice on eggs!). Leave for 5 minutes then peel while submerged under water, it's easier.

Step 10

Pat dry then cut eggs into quarters.

Step 11

Place all ingredients except the dill into a container just large enough to fit the head of a stick blender. Blitz until the avocado is smooth.

Step 12

Add dill and jus blitz to mix through. Taste and adjust salt, if needed.

Step 13

Place the pasta and dressing in a very large bowl along with everything else EXCEPT the eggs. Toss gently to combine.

Step 14

Add eggs, then toss gently to disperse. Serve!