Craveable Copycat: Portillo’s Chopped Salad Dupe

If you’ve ever experienced the iconic Portillo’s Chopped Salad, you know it’s a masterpiece of textures and flavors. Now, you can recreate that restaurant magic right in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe delivers the same crisp, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying salad that you crave, complete with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet elevated salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

I’ll admit, I’m a bit obsessed with Portillo’s Chopped Salad. The combination of crunchy lettuce, salty bacon, and creamy gorgonzola is simply irresistible. I’ve spent countless lunches trying to decode the flavors, and I’m thrilled to share this spot-on dupe with you. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just need a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Lettuce: Use a mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce for the perfect blend of crispness and flavor. Don’t be afraid to use two heads of romaine if you love that peppery bite.
• Red Cabbage: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness. You can use pre-shredded cabbage or finely mince a small head yourself.
• Red Onion: Finely mince for a milder flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Green Onions: Thinly slice for a fresh, slightly pungent accent.
• Tomatoes: Remove the seeds and dice for a burst of juicy sweetness.
• Ditalini Pasta: Cooked al dente and cooled, it adds a satisfying chewiness.
• Bacon: Cook until crispy and crumble for a salty, smoky dimension.
• Gorgonzola Cheese: Crumble for a creamy, tangy richness that balances the other flavors.
• Olive Oil: The base of your dressing, providing richness and a smooth texture.
• White Wine or Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
• Garlic: Finely minced for a subtle pungency.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Dried Italian Seasoning or Oregano: Adds an herbaceous depth of flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

Cooking Tips

• Chop the lettuce finely: This ensures every bite has a little bit of everything.
• Make the vinaigrette ahead of time: The flavors will meld and develop beautifully.
• Add the dressing just before serving: This keeps the salad crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality at home: You’ll be amazed at how close this tastes to the original.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking.
• Easy to make: This salad comes together quickly with simple steps.
• Impressive: Serve this at your next gathering and watch it disappear!

FAQs

• Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! Feta or blue cheese are delicious alternatives to gorgonzola.
• Can I add protein? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would all be great additions.
• How long will the salad stay fresh? This is a great salad for meal prepping! Undressed, it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it’s dressed, eat within 3 days for best quality and to keep it from getting too soggy.

Variations

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
• Mediterranean: Swap the gorgonzola for feta and add Kalamata olives and cucumbers.

Now, get chopping and enjoy this delicious Portillo’s Chopped Salad dupe! Let me know what you think!

Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe

Whether or not you're familiar with this Chicago-based restaurant, you will fall in love with this Portillo's Chopped Salad Recipe!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 Head iceberg lettuce
• 1 – 2 Heads Romaine lettuce depending on size
• 1 Small head red cabbage minced or 1 bag sliced red cabbage (chopped)
• 1 Small red onion finely minced
• 1 Bunch green onions thinly sliced
• 3 Tomatoes seeded and diced
• 2 cups Ditalini pasta cooked and cooled
• 1 pound Bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup Gorgonzola cheese crumbled

Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing

• 1/3 cup Olive oil
• 1/3 cup White wine or apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves Garlic finely minced
• 2 teaspooons Honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning or Oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions

 

• Wash and dry the lettuces. Finely chop until the lettuce is in small pieces. Put in a large bowl.
• Add remaining ingredients, except vinaigrette ingredients, and toss to combine well.
• Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients and whisk well.
• Serve dressing along side the salad or pour on and combine just before serving.

Keyword Portillo’s Chopped Salad

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