Chopped Salad from Portillo's features a vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy banana peppers, shredded cheese, and savory grilled chicken, tossed in a zesty Italian dressing for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Equipments
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Salad spinner
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad tongs
- Grater or shredder (for cheese)
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Grill pan or skillet (for chicken)
- Small bowl or cruet (for dressing)
- Whisk (for dressing)
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 cup cucumber
- 1/2 cup banana peppers
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 grilled chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Freshness of romaine lettuce and grape tomatoes significantly impacts the overall flavor and texture of your Chopped Salad. Ensure the grilled chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly and cut into consistent pieces for even distribution. Use extra virgin olive oil and fresh red wine vinegar to enhance the zesty Italian dressing's authenticity. Adjust salt and black pepper to your taste for a well-balanced seasoning. This ingredient harmony is key to replicating the vibrant taste of the Chopped Salad from Portillo's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Wash and dry the romaine lettuce using a salad spinner.
- Dice the romaine lettuce on a cutting board with a chef’s knife.
- Slice grape tomatoes in halves.
- Dice cucumber into small chunks.
- Slice banana peppers as needed.
- Shred mozzarella cheese with a grater.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Grill chicken breasts on a grill pan or skillet until cooked through, then let rest.
- Dice grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl or cruet, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.
- Add chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, banana peppers, shredded cheese, and grilled chicken to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour dressing over salad ingredients.
- Toss salad with salad tongs until well combined.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Chopped Salad from Portillo's copycat menu blends fresh romaine, juicy grape tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy banana peppers, shredded mozzarella, and grilled chicken, dressed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette. If banana peppers are unavailable, you can substitute with mild pepperoncini or pickled jalapenos to maintain the tangy flavor. When grilling chicken breasts, ensure even cooking by flattening them slightly with a meat tenderizer before placing on the grill pan or skillet. Using a salad spinner after washing the lettuce helps remove excess moisture, keeping the salad crisp and preventing soggy dressing. Your shredded mozzarella can be swapped for Parmesan or cheddar depending on preference without losing the dish's creamy texture.
Tips
Ensure you dry your romaine lettuce thoroughly in a salad spinner to prevent a watery salad. When grilling chicken breasts, let them rest before dicing to retain juices and enhance flavor. Whisk the dressing well to achieve a smooth, emulsified texture that coats all salad ingredients evenly. You can adjust seasoning in the dressing to suit your personal taste and elevate the overall flavor of your chopped salad.
Nutritions
Portillo's Chopped Salad offers a balanced nutritional profile with lean protein from grilled chicken breasts, promoting muscle health and satiety. The romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers provide essential vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber aiding digestion. The extra virgin olive oil in the dressing supplies heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while shredded mozzarella adds calcium and protein to support bone strength. Your meal combines fresh vegetables, quality protein, and healthy fats for a nutritious and satisfying option.
Storage
Store any leftover chopped salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and safety. To preserve your salad's texture, consider storing the dressing separately and tossing it with the salad just before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap romaine lettuce with mixed greens or baby spinach to add different textures and nutrients. Substitute grilled chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences. Instead of mozzarella, try feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile. You can enhance the dressing by adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of honey to balance the acidity and create a richer taste.
Allergies
Chopped Salad from Portillo's contains mozzarella cheese, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. The salad also includes grilled chicken, and while rare, some people could be allergic to poultry proteins. If you have any food allergies, carefully check the ingredients to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Portillo's Chopped Salad menu is popular for its fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and premium meats, combined with zesty dressings that create a balanced flavor profile. Customers appreciate the hearty portions that offer a satisfying meal without feeling heavy. Making a copycat version lets You enjoy the same vibrant, customizable taste at home while controlling ingredient quality and portion size. This salad is worth trying because it delivers the signature Portillo's experience with every bite.