When cravings hit, there’s nothing quite like a fresh, vibrant salad to bring joy to the table. Enter Portillo’s Chopped Salad, a delightful blend of crisp greens, hearty chicken, and savory bacon that transforms the everyday into something extraordinary. The first time I served this at a family gathering, the air filled with laughter and the unmistakable crunch of fresh ingredients—it was an instant hit!
Imagine tossing together a medley of romaine, iceberg, and red cabbage, then adding juicy tomatoes and green onions. With the addition of Ditalini pasta and a zesty dressing that marries the flavors beautifully, you’ve got a dish that promises to surprise and satisfy! Perfect for those busy weeknights or as a showstopper at your next potluck, this salad is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the steps that will crown your cooking with smiles and second helpings!
Why is Portillo’s Chopped Salad the Best?
Fresh, Vibrant Ingredients: This salad showcases an array of colorful vegetables, providing a feast for the eyes and great nutrition.
Savory Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and crumbled feta creates a robust flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Versatile Delight: Customize it with your favorite toppings or add a splash of hot giardiniera for some extra kick!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve it at parties or family dinners, and watch it disappear in no time—leaving only smiles and compliments behind.
Portillo’s Chopped Salad Ingredients
Get ready to whip up a salad that everyone will love!
For the Dressing
- Olive oil – A heart-healthy choice that adds richness to your salad.
- Apple cider vinegar – Provides a nice tang that balances the flavors in the salad.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the dressing with a refreshing citrus zing.
- Garlic – Adds aromatic depth; minced for better integration in the dressing.
- Dijon mustard – A flavor enhancer that brings a hint of spice and creaminess.
- Granulated sugar – Balances the acidity and rounds out the dressing flavor.
- Dried oregano – Infuses the dressing with a warm, herbal note.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors; adjust to your taste.
- Black pepper – Adds a gentle spiciness; freshly cracked is best for flavor.
For the Salad
- Ditalini pasta – Adds texture and heartiness; be sure to cool it before mixing!
- Cooked chicken – Use leftover rotisserie for convenience or pan-sear fresh chicken for a homemade touch.
- Bacon – The crispy, salty superheroes of flavor; swap for turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Romaine lettuce – Sturdy and crunchy, it forms the base of your salad.
- Iceberg lettuce – Adds even more crunch, perfect for refreshing bites.
- Red cabbage – Gives vibrant color and a satisfying crunch to every forkful.
- Roma tomato – Juicy and fresh, providing a beautiful pop of color and flavor.
- Green onions – Adds a mild onion flavor; use both the white and green parts for added crunch.
- Feta cheese – Creamy and tangy, it pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Hot giardiniera (optional) – A spicy kick to elevate your Portillo’s Chopped Salad experience!
Grab these ingredients, and you’re just moments away from creating a delicious Portillo’s Chopped Salad that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests!
How to Make Portillo’s Chopped Salad
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Whisk Together the dressing by combining the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, sugar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, then refrigerate to meld those flavors until serving time.
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Cook the Pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain and set aside to cool. This will add a delightful texture.
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Crisp the Bacon until golden brown and crunchy. Alternatively, you can use store-bought real bacon bits to save time. Cook your chicken pieces or a chicken patty until fully cooked, then chop into cubes.
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Combine Fresh Ingredients in a large salad bowl: add the romaine, iceberg lettuce, cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to mix those vibrant colors and flavors together well.
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Add Hearty Components like the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, chicken, and crumbled feta cheese. Make sure everything is evenly distributed to ensure each bite is delicious!
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Toss with Dressing right before serving to keep things fresh. This step ensures every ingredient is coated beautifully while maintaining that coveted crunch.
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of extra feta or a dash of chopped herbs for freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Portillo’s Chopped Salad?
Create a delightful spread that elevates your dining experience with every luscious bite of fresh salad.
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Garlic Bread: The buttery, toasted goodness of garlic bread adds a warm, crunchy contrast, perfect for mopping up any leftover dressing.
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Grilled Asparagus: Tender, smoky asparagus brings a burst of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the salad’s crisp greens.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa packed with herbs offers a hearty side, enhancing healthiness while complementing the fresh ingredients.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory notes of the salad, creating an unforgettable flavor pair.
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Wine Spritzer: A refreshing, bubbly spritzer with citrus undertones enhances your meal’s freshness, making each bite and sip a jubilant celebration.
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Lemon Tart: End your meal on a high note with a tart and creamy dessert, contrasting the salad’s savory flavors with its bright, zesty charm.
By combining these suggestions with Portillo’s Chopped Salad, you can craft a full meal that delights and satisfies!
Tips for the Best Portillo’s Chopped Salad
- Pasta Perfection: Ensure your Ditalini pasta is al dente for the perfect texture; overcooked pasta can become mushy in the salad.
- Cool Ingredients: Let the bacon and chicken cool before adding them to the salad to prevent wilting the greens.
- Freshly Whisked Dressing: Prepare the dressing just before assembling to maintain the vibrant flavors of your Portillo’s Chopped Salad.
- Crunch Factor: Use both romaine and iceberg for varied texture; this keeps every bite satisfyingly crunchy.
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins; just keep the balance of flavors in mind for the best salad experience!
Portillo’s Chopped Salad Variations
Feel free to play with flavors and textures to make this delightful salad your own!
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken and bacon with grilled tofu and add extra veggies like bell peppers for a satisfying plant-based twist.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat and excitement in every bite!
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts to provide a delightful crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
- Cheesy Swaps: If feta isn’t your favorite, try crumbled goat cheese or creamy blue cheese for a different flavor profile that surprises the palate.
- Whole Grain: Swap Ditalini pasta for quinoa or farro, enriching your salad with whole grains and an even heartier feel.
- Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil and rice vinegar for the dressing, then toss in shredded carrots and edamame for a fresh, crunchy twist.
- Fruit Fusion: Add diced apples or pears for a sweet contrast that complements the savory elements beautifully, creating unexpected harmony.
- Herbaceous Boost: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an aromatic kick that elevates the salad to a whole new level of freshness!
Get creative and enjoy all the various ways to spark joy in every bowl of your Portillo’s Chopped Salad!
Storage Tips for Portillo’s Chopped Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover Portillo’s Chopped Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
Dressing: Keep the dressing separately in the fridge for up to 1 week. This way, you can enjoy the salad’s vibrant flavors without soggy greens.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze Portillo’s Chopped Salad, as the vegetables will lose their texture when thawed. Enjoy it fresh!
Reheating: If you need to reheat chicken, warm it gently in the microwave or skillet before adding it back into the salad to avoid losing moisture.
Make Ahead Options
Portillo’s Chopped Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prepping, making it super convenient for busy weeknights! You can prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld beautifully. The pasta can be cooked and cooled up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its texture. For the salad components, chop the romaine, iceberg, and cabbage, along with the tomatoes and green onions, and keep them in separate containers for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything in a large bowl, add the bacon, chicken, feta, and toss with the dressing. This way, you’ll enjoy a fresh and vibrant salad with minimal effort, all while saving valuable time!
Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for my salad?
Absolutely! For vegetables, look for crisp, vibrant greens without dark spots or wilting, as these indicate freshness. The romaine and iceberg should be firm, while the tomatoes should be plump and slightly fragrant. For the best flavor, pick Feta cheese that’s fresh and creamy—crumbled is ideal!
What’s the best way to store leftover Portillo’s Chopped Salad?
I recommend placing any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately. This can last in the fridge for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just toss the greens and ingredients with the dressing right before serving!
Can I freeze leftovers of Portillo’s Chopped Salad?
Unfortunately, freezing is not a great idea for this salad since the fresh veggies, especially the lettuce, will lose their crunch and become soggy when thawed. I encourage you to enjoy it fresh for the best experience!
How can I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Very! To maintain the crunch, always add the dressing right before serving. Also, ensure that your bacon and chicken are cooled before mixing them in, as warm ingredients can wilt the greens. I often recommend keeping the dressing in a small container to drizzle over each serving individually.
Are there any dietary considerations for Portillo’s Chopped Salad?
If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, it’s always good to keep that in mind! To make it gluten-free, substitute Ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta option. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and bacon, or replace them with chickpeas or tofu! And if anyone has dairy allergies, you can swap the Feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative or simply leave it out.
What can I use instead of Ditalini pasta if I can’t find it?
Absolutely! If Ditalini isn’t available, consider using other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or even quinoa for a unique twist. Both options will work wonderfully in this hearty salad, lending their texture while allowing all those delicious flavors to shine through.
Delicious Portillo’s Chopped Salad Bursting with Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the dressing by combining the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, sugar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, then refrigerate.
- Cook the Ditalini pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Crisp the bacon until golden brown. If using raw chicken, cook it until fully cooked, then chop into cubes.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, iceberg lettuce, cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
- Add the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, chicken, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix all ingredients evenly.
- Toss the salad with the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.