Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe

This copycat version of Portillo's famous chopped salad is full of flavor and texture, and every bit as delicious as the original! The creamy, punchy vinaigrette whips up in just minutes, and is where the real magic happens. It's the perfect side dish for a barbecue or potluck, and also works well as a meal prep lunch.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Copycat Portillo's Chopped Salad, Portillo's Chopped Salad, Portillo's Chopped Salad Recipe, Portillo's Salad

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 447kcal

Author Faith Gorsky

Ingredients

Dressing:

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or light olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil)
6 tablespoons mayo
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/3 cup finely-grated parmesan cheese (preferably freshly-grated, but you can use the powdered stuff in a pinch)
1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
1/2 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 small clove garlic (grated or crushed)

Salad:

1 cup ditalini pasta (cooked according to the package directions, rinsed, drained, and cooled)
8 ounces beef bacon (cooked until crispy, cooled, and chopped; or any type of bacon you like)
3 cups finely chopped Romaine lettuce
3 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
1 cup thinly sliced scallion (green and white parts)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
2 cups cooked chopped chicken (you can use poached chicken, rotisserie chicken, or whatever you have on hand)
1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

For the Dressing:

Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. (TIP: If you want it super smooth, puree it in a blender or food processor.)

For the Salad:

Arrange all ingredients in a salad serving bowl.
Toss the salad with the dressing and serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe Yield and Nutritional Information: This recipe serves 8 as a side dish, or 4 as a main course. The nutritional information given is based on 8 side-dish-sized servings.
Dressing Storage: You can store this dressing covered in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a vigorous shake or a stir before using.
Salad Storage: You can prep this salad up to 3 days ahead of time. Store everything in separate containers in the fridge and then assemble the salad right before serving.
Meal Prep: Layer the ingredients in a large glass jar in the following order: salad dressing (on the bottom), pasta, tomatoes, red cabbage, Romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, scallion, chicken, bacon, and cheese. Cover the jar and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days; don't shake the jar until right before serving.

Nutrition