Hey, Welcome to the Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe. Portillo’s Chopped Salad is a fresh and flavorful mix of crisp lettuce, tender chicken, bacon, pasta, and cheese tossed in a tangy dressing.
If you’ve ever had this famous salad at Portillo’s, you already know how satisfying and delicious it is with every crunchy bite.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this delightful recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Salad
History and Origin
Portillo’s Chopped Salad originated at Portillo’s, a popular Chicago-based restaurant known for its sandwiches and hot dogs.
This signature salad gained fame for its hearty ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures that blend perfectly with the restaurant’s Italian-American style cuisine.
What does Portillo’s Chopped Salad taste like?
Portillo’s Chopped Salad has a perfect balance of smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy cheese, all brought together with a tangy, slightly sweet vinaigrette.
Each bite is crisp, refreshing, and flavorful, making it both comforting and light at the same time.
By the way, you can also try the Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce, chopped | 4 cups |
| Iceberg lettuce, chopped | 2 cups |
| Cooked chicken breast, diced | 2 cups |
| Cooked bacon, crumbled | 1 cup |
| Ditalini pasta, cooked and cooled | 1 cup |
| Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled | ½ cup |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
| Green onions, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Red cabbage, shredded | ½ cup |
| Italian vinaigrette dressing | ½ cup |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe:
- Large salad bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan (for pasta)
- Salad tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil ditalini pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
Cook chicken breast until golden and fully cooked, then dice it into small cubes. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bits.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
Finely chop the romaine and iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, green onions, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Add all to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, Gorgonzola cheese, and vegetables to the bowl. Toss gently with salad tongs to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the Italian vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is coated. Serve fresh and enjoy the Portillo ”s-inspired crunch!
Recipe Card
Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil ditalini pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Cook chicken breast until golden and fully cooked, then dice it into small cubes. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bits.
- Finely chop the romaine and iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, green onions, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Add all to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, Gorgonzola cheese, and vegetables to the bowl. Toss gently with salad tongs to combine everything evenly.
- Drizzle the Italian vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is coated. Serve fresh and enjoy the Portillo ”s-inspired crunch!
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe:
| Nutrients | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad with a side of garlic bread or soup for a satisfying meal. It’s also a perfect addition to backyard barbecues or family lunches, offering a refreshing and filling option everyone loves.
Storage Tips
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the crispness of the greens and pasta. Toss before serving again.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this salad is both refreshing and filling at the same time. The mix of crunchy lettuce, smoky bacon, and tangy dressing makes every bite exciting.
It’s one of those dishes that feels light yet fully satisfying, perfect for both quick lunches and family dinners.
Variations You Can Try
You can easily tweak this salad to suit your taste. Try using grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist, or swap Gorgonzola with feta for a milder flavor.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or avocado. Each version tastes just as amazing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Portillo’s Chopped Salad
- Use chilled ingredients to keep the salad crisp.
- Cook the pasta slightly al dente so it doesn’t get soggy.
- Toss the dressing just before serving for the best texture.
- Add extra Gorgonzola or bacon for a richer flavor.
What Makes Portillo’s Chopped Salad So Popular
What makes this Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe so loved is how it manages to be both refreshing and indulgent. The creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and tangy dressing come together with the crisp veggies to create a perfect balance.
It’s colorful, flavorful, and feels restaurant-quality, even when made at home. That’s why it has become a go-to favorite across the country.
My Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that truly satisfies, this is it. It’s colorful, flavorful, and full of texture.
Once you make it at home, you’ll understand why everyone loves Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe so much.
Conclusion
This Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe brings restaurant-quality freshness right to your table. It’s easy, hearty, and full of texture. Try it once, and you’ll crave it often.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What dressing is used in Portillo’s Chopped Salad?
Portillo’s Chopped Salad is typically tossed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette dressing.
Can I use blue cheese instead of Gorgonzola?
Yes, blue cheese works perfectly as a substitute for Gorgonzola.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, just keep the dressing separate until serving to keep it crisp.
What type of pasta is in Portillo’s Chopped Salad?
Ditalini pasta is used, giving the salad a nice texture.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great lighter alternative.
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