When you think of the perfect meal, the right side dishes elevate the experience. Pairing the iconic Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad with an enticing main is the way to go. Here are some tasty suggestions:
1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: These are always a hit. The juicy chicken adds protein and complements the salad’s crisp textures.
2. Italian Sub Sandwiches: Layered with your favorite meats and cheeses, these sandwiches add that delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
3. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery, and just the right touch of crunch. Garlic bread melds beautifully with the salad’s zesty profile.
4. Caprese Platter: Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil provide a lovely addition to this dish, making the meal thoroughly Italian.
5. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies, roasted to perfection, satisfies those looking for a warm side dish.
Picture this: a sunny afternoon, the smell of barbecue wafting through the air, laughter and chatter resonating in the background, and a vibrant salad ready to delight your senses. That salad is none other than the Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad. It’s loaded with fresh veggies, protein options, and a tangy homemade dressing that makes every bite a burst of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a quick meal, this salad stands out as a beloved choice. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?
What is Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad?
The Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad captures the essence of the original dish served at Portillo’s, a popular restaurant chain known for its Chicago-style cuisine. This salad is a blend of textures and flavors from fresh romaine lettuce, diced chicken (optional), crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and vibrant bursts of color from chopped vegetables. Toss in crispy bacon and a delightful dressing, and you have a dish that’s not just a salad but an experience.
Why You’ll Love this Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad
You might wonder, why is this salad so irresistible? First, the combination of flavors is exceptional. The creamy Gorgonzola adds richness, while the crispy bacon gives you that satisfying crunch. The chopped vegetables provide freshness, and the dressing brings everything together.
Moreover, it’s flexible. Whether you prefer it vegetarian, with grilled chicken, or a bit heartier with bacon, you can customize it based on your needs. Additionally, it’s perfect for meal prep. Make it in advance and store it in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner option ready to go.
Also, this salad is visually stunning. The vibrant colors pop, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Serve it at parties, and watch your guests gravitate towards it like moths to a flame.
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The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad
To whip up this flavorful masterpiece, gather these ingredients:
Salad Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast (optional): This adds a hearty element.
4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese: Creaminess that elevates the salad’s profile.
3 cups chopped crisp romaine lettuce: The base that provides crunch.
1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered: A burst of sweetness.
2 cups shredded red cabbage: Adds color and texture.
1 cup dry Ditalini pasta (yields about 2 cups after cooking): Provides a fun shape and additional texture.
1 pound thick-cut bacon (around 1 cup after cooking and crumbling): Because bacon makes everything better.
2 cups finely chopped iceberg lettuce: Another layer of crunch.
1 cup thinly sliced green onions: Adds a touch of sharpness.
½ cup roasted red bell peppers, diced: Sweet and slightly smoky flavor.
¼ cup toasted pine nuts: For that extra crunch.
Sweet Italian Dressing:
½ cup extra virgin olive oil: The base of any good dressing.
¼ cup white balsamic vinegar or champagne vinegar: Tanginess that brightens up the dish.
1 teaspoon cane sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the acidity.
2 garlic cloves, finely minced: For a punch of flavor.
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds some spice.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Enhances complexity.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Italian flavor at its best.
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential for taste.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a bit of heat.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather and chop all your ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken, quarter the grape tomatoes, shred the cabbage, and chop the lettuces. It’s important to have all your ingredients prepped to ensure the assembly is easy as pie.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the Ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This will give the pasta a nice chewy texture that holds up beautifully in the salad.
Step 3: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon until crispy. Place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, sugar, garlic, black pepper, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, iceberg lettuce, shredded cabbage, diced chicken (if using), grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers, green onions, crumbled Gorgonzola, cooked Ditalini pasta, crushed bacon, and toasted pine nuts.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss to combine thoroughly, ensuring that the dressing coats every ingredient.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with additional pine nuts or cheese if desired. Dig in and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheeses enhance the flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta maintains a firm texture in the salad.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad a few hours before serving. However, add the dressing just before enjoying to keep the greens crisp.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and chicken. Increase the amount of veggies to compensate.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the dressing based on your personal taste. Add more herbs or spices if you like it zippier!
Storage Tips
To keep your Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume it within 3-4 days for the best quality. If you anticipate leftovers, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This helps keep the ingredients crisp and reduces sogginess.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutrition per serving of Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad (based on a 4-serving recipe, excluding optional ingredients like chicken and bacon):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
Keep in mind that your nutritional profile may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this salad in several ways:
- As a Main Course: Place it in the center of the table for a beautiful buffet-style meal.
- As a Side Salad: Pair it with grilled meats or fish for a balanced dinner.
- For Lunch: Pack it in a container for a hearty lunch without the hassle.
- As Appetizers: Serve it in cups for a party, offering it as a refreshing appetizer.
- For Meal Prep: Portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad?
Here are some substitution ideas to suit varying tastes or what you have on hand:
- Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save time while delivering flavor.
- Feta Cheese: If Gorgonzola isn’t available, feta offers a similar tangy taste.
- Quinoa: Swap pasta for cooked quinoa for a gluten-free alternative that adds protein.
- Sunflower Seeds: Instead of pine nuts, sunflower seeds bring crunch and nutty flavor, and are often more budget-friendly.
- Mixed Greens: If you prefer different greens, use mesclun or spinach instead of romaine and iceberg.
Equipment
- Pot
- Bowl
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked diced chicken breast (optional): This adds a hearty element.
- 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese: Creaminess that elevates the salad’s profile.
- 3 cups chopped crisp romaine lettuce: The base that provides crunch.
- 1 cup grape tomatoes quartered: A burst of sweetness.
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage: Adds color and texture.
- 1 cup dry Ditalini pasta yields about 2 cups after cooking: Provides a fun shape and additional texture.
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon around 1 cup after cooking and crumbling: Because bacon makes everything better.
- 2 cups finely chopped iceberg lettuce: Another layer of crunch.
- 1 cup thinly sliced green onions: Adds a touch of sharpness.
- ½ cup roasted red bell peppers diced: Sweet and slightly smoky flavor.
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts: For that extra crunch.
Sweet Italian Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil: The base of any good dressing.
- ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar or champagne vinegar: Tanginess that brightens up the dish.
- 1 teaspoon cane sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the acidity.
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced: For a punch of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds some spice.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Enhances complexity.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Italian flavor at its best.
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential for taste.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a bit of heat.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Gather and chop all your ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken, quarter the grape tomatoes, shred the cabbage, and chop the lettuces. It’s important to have all your ingredients prepped to ensure the assembly is easy as pie.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the Ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This will give the pasta a nice chewy texture that holds up beautifully in the salad.
Step 3: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon until crispy. Place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, sugar, garlic, black pepper, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, iceberg lettuce, shredded cabbage, diced chicken (if using), grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers, green onions, crumbled Gorgonzola, cooked Ditalini pasta, crushed bacon, and toasted pine nuts.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss to combine thoroughly, ensuring that the dressing coats every ingredient.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with additional pine nuts or cheese if desired. Dig in and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheeses enhance the flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta maintains a firm texture in the salad.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad a few hours before serving. However, add the dressing just before enjoying to keep the greens crisp.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and chicken. Increase the amount of veggies to compensate.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the dressing based on your personal taste. Add more herbs or spices if you like it zippier!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad vegan?
Certainly! Omit the chicken and bacon entirely. Use your favorite vegan cheese as a substitute for Gorgonzola and adjust the dressing to ensure it’s dairy-free.
2. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Simply substitute the Ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta variant. Many great options exist on the market that perform well in salads.
3. Is it okay to freeze this salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended due to the nature of the ingredients. Fresh vegetables, especially lettuce, tend to become soggy once thawed. It’s better to store it in the fridge for short-term enjoyment.
4. Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorites or what’s in season. Cucumbers, radishes, or slices of avocado can provide a delightful twist.
5. How spicy is the dressing?
The amount of crushed red pepper flakes can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance. You can start with less and gradually increase based on preference.
6. Can I use bottled dressing instead?
Using a bottled dressing is possible, but it may not encapsulate the fresh flavors of homemade. If you’re in a rush, opt for a quality Italian dressing that complements the salad’s ingredients.
Conclusion
The Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad is a winner for a reason. With its freshness, rich flavors, and delightful textures, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this salad offers incredible flexibility. It’s quick to prepare, visually appealing, and loaded with wholesome ingredients.
So, fire up your kitchen! Dive into this delightful dish, and let it inspire you for all your future culinary endeavors. Eating well doesn’t have to be boring—it can be fun, vibrant, and absolutely delicious! Enjoy every last bite.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more