Delicious Portillo’s Chopped Salad Recipe to Savor

The vibrant and crunchy Portillo’s Chopped Salad bursts with fresh flavors that dance on your taste buds. Imagine a colorful medley of crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and savory chicken, all coming together in one delicious bowl. Caprese pasta salad recipe hearty loaded falafel bowl It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of textures that will make your mouth water!

Every bite of this salad takes me back to sunny picnics with friends, where laughter mingles with the aroma of fresh veggies and zesty dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is like a burst of sunshine on a plate—guaranteed to brighten your day and keep you coming back for more!

Ingredients for Portillo’s Chopped Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for protein; they’re versatile and take on flavors well.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, romaine provides the perfect base for our salad. Look for bright green leaves.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these little gems add color and burst with flavor in every bite.
• Cucumber: Cool and crunchy, cucumbers bring hydration and texture to the salad. Choose firm ones without blemishes.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild zing. Soak in cold water if you want to tone down its sharpness.
• Avocado: Creamy avocado makes everything better! Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness; it’s essential for that flavorful dressing we all love!
• Balsamic Vinegar: The sweet-tart flavor of balsamic vinegar brings everything together beautifully.
• Honey: Just a touch of honey enhances sweetness while balancing out the acidity from the vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth of flavor—just don’t go overboard unless you want a kick!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Vegetarian Chili recipe recipe.

How to Make Portillo’s Chopped Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by preheating your grill or skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper; grill or pan-sear them for about six minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Let them rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare Your Veggies

While your chicken is cooling down, grab your trusty knife! Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into rounds, finely chop the red onion, and dice the avocado. Place all these beauties into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Whip Up That Dressing

In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Shake it up like you mean it! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you want it flavorful but balanced.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now comes the fun part! Add the sliced chicken to your bowl of veggies along with your homemade dressing. Toss everything gently to ensure each piece is coated with that delicious dressing.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Transfer generous portions onto individual plates or serve family-style in one big bowl—your choice! For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or nuts on top for crunch.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Dig in right away while everything is fresh! This salad tastes best when served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days—if it lasts that long!

With these steps complete, you’re ready to savor every crunchy bite of this Portillo’s Chopped Salad masterpiece—a dish that’s not only filling but also bursting with personality!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken to infuse it with flavor while you chop veggies for the Portillo’s Chopped Salad. Sear the chicken first, then prepare the dressing while the salad ingredients mingle in a bowl for maximum taste and efficiency. tropical chicken salad bowl.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out any vegetables you have on hand, like adding bell peppers instead of cucumbers or tossing in some avocado for creaminess. You can also experiment with different dressings, perhaps a zesty vinaigrette or even a tahini-based option.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating chicken, use a microwave or skillet until it’s warmed through, but avoid reheating the salad itself to keep it fresh and crisp.

Sometimes I whip up this salad when friends visit, and their faces light up at how colorful it is! One friend even declared it “the best salad ever!” A perfect moment that made all my chopping worth it.

FAQs :

What is Portillo’s Chopped Salad made of?

Portillo’s Chopped Salad features a delightful mix of fresh ingredients. The base includes chopped romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce, ensuring a crunchy texture. It also incorporates diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion for freshness. To add richness, the salad contains shredded carrots and a blend of chickpeas and kidney beans. antipasto skewers for parties For added flavor, it often includes a tangy vinaigrette dressing made from vinegar and olive oil. This combination creates a vibrant salad that is both tasty and satisfying.

How can I customize Portillo’s Chopped Salad?

You can easily customize Portillo’s Chopped Salad to suit your tastes. Consider adding grilled chicken or turkey for protein, or swap in roasted vegetables for extra flavor. You could also include cheese alternatives like feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy touch without dairy. Adding nuts or seeds can provide crunch and healthy fats. Experimenting with different dressings—like balsamic vinaigrette or citrus-based options—will enhance the flavors further while keeping the dish fresh and exciting.

Can I make Portillo’s Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Portillo’s Chopped Salad ahead of time, which is perfect for meal prep or gatherings. To maintain freshness, store the chopped ingredients separately from the dressing until you are ready to serve. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to enjoy, simply combine everything with your dressing and toss well. This way, you ensure that your salad remains crisp and flavorful without getting soggy.

What makes Portillo’s Chopped Salad unique?

Portillo’s Chopped Salad stands out due to its vibrant blend of fresh ingredients and distinctive dressing. The combination of textures—from crunchy veggies to creamy cheese alternatives—creates a delightful eating experience. Additionally, its versatility allows it to be customized easily, catering to various dietary preferences while still delivering robust flavors. Using vinegar-based dressings instead of heavy creams keeps it light yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals looking for delicious meal options. For more inspiration, check out this Blood Orange Salad recipe recipe.

Conclusion for Portillo’s Chopped Salad :

In summary, Portillo’s Chopped Salad is a refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables with vibrant flavors. By using alternative proteins such as chicken or turkey and incorporating plant-based gelling agents when needed, you create a versatile salad suitable for many dietary preferences. Customization options abound, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients while maintaining its signature taste. Enjoy this salad as a side dish or main course; it’s sure to please everyone at the table!

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Portillo’s Chopped Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Experience the refreshing delight of Portillo’s Chopped Salad, a colorful blend of crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado topped with grilled chicken and a tangy balsamic dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect for lunch or dinner, delivering a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a delicious way to brighten your day.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. 1. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear for about 6 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F). Let rest before slicing.
2. 2. Prepare Veggies: Chop romaine, halve tomatoes, slice cucumber and onion, and dice avocado. Combine in a large bowl.
3. 3. Make Dressing: In a jar, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Shake well to combine.
4. 4. Assemble Salad: Add sliced chicken to veggies and drizzle dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine.
5. 5. Serve: Plate immediately or serve family-style in a large bowl.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling/Pan-searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (300g)
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 120mg