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Portillo’s Chopped Salad

Portillo's Chopped Salad: A Hearty Home-Cooked Favorite

Experience the refreshing and satisfying flavors of Portillo's Chopped Salad with customizable ingredients for a perfect meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Ditalini pasta Can substitute with small pasta like elbows or orzo
  • 4 slices Bacon Can replace with turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian
  • 2 cups Romaine lettuce Can use iceberg for added crunch
  • 2 cups Iceberg lettuce Substitute with additional romaine or mixed greens
  • 1 cup Red cabbage Green cabbage can be used as substitute
  • 1 cup Grape tomatoes Diced regular tomatoes can be used
  • 1 cup Green onions Chives can be used as a substitute
  • 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese Optional; can use feta as an alternative
  • 1 cup Cooked chicken Optional; can omit for vegetarian version
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Can swap with avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons White balsamic vinegar Regular balsamic or apple cider vinegar can be used
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic preferred; can use garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Can use yellow mustard or omit
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Can replace with honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Fresh oregano works well too
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust according to preference

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb grease. Allow to cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine, iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, grape tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even distribution.
  4. Add the cooled ditalini pasta and crumbled bacon to the bowl of chopped vegetables. Incorporate gorgonzola cheese or cooked chicken if desired. Gently fold the ingredients together.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, sugar, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper to create a well-emulsified dressing.
  6. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly, ensuring freshness and crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Add dressing just before serving for best texture. Customize with roasted veggies or different cheeses as desired.

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