Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe

Portillo’s Chopped Salad is a beloved classic that combines crisp lettuce, tender pasta, smoky bacon, and flavorful vegetables, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. This recipe brings the magic of Portillo’s right to your kitchen, perfect for casual lunches or elegant dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavors: The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy is irresistible.
• Customizable: Add or omit ingredients to suit your taste.
• Easy to make ahead: Great for meal prep or gatherings.
• Restaurant-quality at home: Save time and money by recreating this popular dish yourself.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Romaine lettuce
• Red cabbage
• Iceberg lettuce
• Ditalini pasta
• Bacon
• Green onions
• Grape tomatoes
• Gorgonzola cheese
• Cooked chicken (optional for added protein)
• Dressing: Sweet Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Prepare the ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool completely.
2. Cook the bacon: Fry bacon until crispy. Let it cool, then crumble into small pieces.
3. Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the romaine, iceberg, and red cabbage. Slice green onions and halve the grape tomatoes.
4. Prepare the chicken (if using): Cook and dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the lettuces, pasta, bacon, green onions, tomatoes, and Gorgonzola cheese.
6. Dress the salad: Toss the mixture with sweet Italian dressing until well coated.
7. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 as a main dish or 10-12 as a side dish.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add crunch: Toss in croutons or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and chicken, and add more veggies or chickpeas.
• Different cheese: Swap Gorgonzola with feta or Parmesan.
• Make it lighter: Use turkey bacon and a low-fat Italian dressing.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate: To avoid sogginess, store the dressing separately and toss the salad before serving.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any small pasta shape like macaroni or orzo works well.

2. Is it possible to make this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the ditalini pasta with gluten-free pasta.

3. What can I use instead of Gorgonzola cheese?

Feta or blue cheese are great alternatives.

4. How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can prep all the components up to a day ahead, but mix them just before serving.

5. What if I don’t have sweet Italian dressing?

Make your own by combining olive oil, vinegar, sugar, and Italian seasonings.

6. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.

7. How do I make this salad kid-friendly?

Omit the Gorgonzola cheese and serve the dressing on the side for picky eaters.

8. Can I add fruit to this salad?

Yes, fruits like dried cranberries or diced apples add a sweet touch.

9. What’s the best way to cook the bacon?

Fry it in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F until crispy.

10. Is this salad suitable for potlucks?

Definitely! It’s a crowd-pleaser and holds up well for events.

Conclusion

Portillo’s Chopped Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Give it a try and impress your family and friends!

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