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Portillo’s Chopped Salad

Portillo’s Chopped Salad: A Hearty, Homemade Delight

Portillo’s Chopped Salad is a vibrant mix of colorful veggies, ditalini pasta, and a homemade Italian dressing, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Ditalini pasta Cook according to package instructions or substitute with any small pasta shape.
  • 1 pound Bacon Can substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
  • 2 cups Romaine lettuce Can substitute with any preferred leafy green.
  • 2 cups Iceberg lettuce Omit if preferred for a lighter salad.
  • 1 cup Red cabbage Can replace with purple cabbage.
  • 1 cup Grape tomatoes Can substitute with any small tomato.
  • 1/2 cup Green onions Chives can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup Gorgonzola cheese Omit for a dairy-free version or substitute with feta cheese.
  • 1 cup Cooked chicken (optional) Grilled or rotisserie chicken works well.
For the Sweet Italian Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup White balsamic vinegar Can substitute with red wine vinegar.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced is preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Yellow mustard is an acceptable alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Fresh can be used for stronger flavor.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta by boiling salted water and adding ditalini pasta, cooking until al dente. Drain and cool.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel to cool, then crumble.
  3. Prepare vegetables by chopping romaine, iceberg, and red cabbage. Halve grape tomatoes and chop green onions.
  4. Combine cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, and chopped vegetables in a mixing bowl.
  5. Make the dressing by whisking olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and sugar until emulsified. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally adding crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Dress the salad just before serving for maximum freshness. Adjust seasoning to taste.

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