Bacon and Warm Pesto Roasted Winter Veg Salad

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, pesto, sugar and olive oil for the dressing (see pantry for both amounts).

Season with salt and pepper - this is your pesto dressing.

Halve the bell pepper and discard the core and seeds. Slice into thin strips.

Pop the sliced pepper and baby plum tomatoes onto one side of another large baking tray. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat.

Roast the veg on the middle shelf until soft and slightly charred, 15-18 mins.

Meanwhile, tear the ciabatta into roughly 2cm chunks.

When the veg has 10 mins left of roasting time, add the ciabatta chunks onto the other side of the veg tray. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat well. 

Return the tray to the middle shelf and bake until golden, 8-10 mins.

While everything roasts, trim the courgette and slice into 1cm thick rounds.

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat.

When hot, add the bacon and courgette and cook, 4-5 mins. Season with salt and pepper. Turn only every couple of mins - this will result in the courgette picking up some nice colour. IMPORTANT: Wash hands and utensils after handling raw meat. Cook it thoroughly.

Once cooked, remove from the heat.

When everything's ready, add the bacon, roasted veg, croutons and charred courgette to the bowl of pesto dressing and toss to coat.

Just before serving, add the baby leaves and toss to combine. TIP: Don't add the leaves too early or they'll go soggy.

Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.