Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with Portillo’s chopped salad! I first stumbled upon it during a trip to Chicago, and I was absolutely blown away by its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. The crunch of the romaine, the tangy cherry tomatoes, and that creamy provolone—wow! It’s like a party in a bowl! This recipe captures all that goodness and brings it right to your kitchen. Trust me, when you whip up this Portillo’s chopped salad at home, you’ll be transported back to that first bite. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal or a satisfying lunch on its own. Let’s dive into making this fresh and flavorful salad that you’ll want to enjoy time and time again!
Ingredients List
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your own Portillo’s chopped salad masterpiece! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup of red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup of carrots, shredded
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup of cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup of provolone cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize this list based on your preferences, but these essentials give you that classic flavor of Portillo’s every time!
How to Prepare Portillos Chopped Salad
Alright, let’s get this salad party started! Making your own Portillo’s chopped salad is super simple and really fun. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, vibrant salad in no time!
Step 1: Chop the Romaine Lettuce
First things first, grab that head of romaine lettuce. I like to chop it into bite-sized pieces—about 1 to 2 inches works well. You want it to be big enough to hold onto the dressing but small enough to fit nicely on your fork. Toss it into a large mixing bowl, and make sure it’s nice and fluffy!
Step 2: Add the Cabbage and Carrots
Next up, let’s bring in the color! Add your shredded red cabbage and carrots to the romaine. The key here is to mix them in gently so that they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad. You want that crunch and color in every bite!
Step 3: Incorporate Other Vegetables
Now it’s time to mix in the cherry tomatoes, green onions, and cucumbers. I usually just toss them all in at once and give everything a good stir. Make sure those tomatoes are evenly scattered; nobody likes a salad where all the good stuff is bunched up in one corner!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon
Your salad is really coming together now! Sprinkle the cubed provolone cheese and crumbled bacon over the top. I like to do this last so they stay nice and intact and add that delicious flavor without getting too mixed in. It’s like a surprise in every bite!
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad. I usually start with about a quarter cup and add more if needed. Then, get in there and toss everything together gently! This is where the magic happens—make sure every piece gets coated in that flavorful dressing!
Step 6: Season to Taste
Finally, give your salad a taste test! Add salt and pepper as needed. Don’t be shy—this is your chance to make it just right for your palate. If you have some fresh herbs on hand, toss those in for an extra pop of flavor!
And there you have it—a fresh and colorful Portillo’s chopped salad ready to be devoured! You can serve it immediately or let it sit for about 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to meld. Trust me, it’s delicious either way!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for one serving of this delightful Portillo’s chopped salad. You can expect approximately 250 calories, 15g of fat, and 10g of protein. It also has around 20g of carbohydrates and 4g of sugar. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions. Enjoy this fresh salad guilt-free while savoring its vibrant flavors!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Portillo’s chopped salad is a hit every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, use the freshest ingredients you can find—crisp romaine and vibrant veggies make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to customize your salad with your favorite vegetables; bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado can add a delightful twist!
If you’re prepping ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain that crunchy texture. You can also adjust the amount of dressing to suit your taste; I love a little extra for that flavor explosion! Lastly, don’t forget to taste as you go—this is your creation, so make it truly yours. Enjoy the process, and have fun with it!
Variations of Portillos Chopped Salad
One of the best things about Portillo’s chopped salad is how adaptable it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch up the dressing? A zesty vinaigrette or a creamy ranch can give it a whole new vibe. You could even try a spicy chipotle dressing for a kick!
For those who want to add some protein, shredded grilled chicken or chickpeas make excellent additions. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, consider adding roasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. And don’t forget about the veggies—feel free to toss in some bell peppers, radishes, or even diced avocado for creaminess.
Remember, the key is to keep that fresh and vibrant essence of the original salad while putting your personal spin on it. So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Portillo’s chopped salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, but I recommend enjoying it within the first day for the best crunch and flavor. If you find that the salad has lost a bit of its zing, simply give it a gentle toss with a splash of extra Italian dressing to refresh it before serving again. Don’t worry about reheating—this salad is best enjoyed cold, so dig in right from the fridge!
FAQ About Portillos Chopped Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Portillo’s chopped salad is its meal prep potential. You can easily chop all your veggies and mix them in a bowl a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that fresh crunch. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish during the week! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
What can I substitute for provolone cheese?
If provolone isn’t your thing or you have dietary restrictions, no worries! You can easily swap it out for mozzarella, feta, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. Each of these options will add a unique flavor while still keeping the salad delicious. Just choose what you love, and feel free to get creative!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Portillo’s chopped salad is gluten-free, as it primarily consists of fresh vegetables and cheese. Just double-check the ingredients in your Italian dressing to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources. If you’re making it at home, you can even choose a gluten-free dressing to be safe!
How long does the salad last in the refrigerator?
Your chopped salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. I recommend consuming it within the first day for the best taste and crunch. If you notice the vegetables getting a bit soggy, just toss in a splash of dressing to refresh it before you dig in!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Adding protein is a fantastic idea to make this salad a complete meal. You can toss in grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If you’re feeling adventurous, diced turkey or crumbled sausage can add an extra layer of flavor. So go ahead, make it your own!
Your Next Steps
Now that you’ve got the scoop on making your very own Portillo’s chopped salad, it’s time to dive in and give it a whirl! I can’t wait to hear what you think, so don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your thoughts or any tweaks you made. And if you’re on social media, snap a pic of your salad and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! Happy cooking!
Print
Portillo’s Chopped Salad: 5 Steps to Perfect Freshness
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant chopped salad inspired by Portillo’s famous recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup of red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup of carrots, shredded
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup of cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup of provolone cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
- Add the shredded red cabbage and carrots.
- Mix in the cherry tomatoes, green onions, and cucumbers.
- Add the provolone cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Can be made ahead of time for meal prep.
- Adjust dressing amount based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: portillos chopped salad, chopped salad recipe, salad, vegetarian salad
