Portillos Chopped Salad With Sweet Italian Dressing Recipes

Steps:

• For the pancetta: Heat a medium skillet over low-medium heat and add the pancetta in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate in a single layer until ready to top.
• For the sweet Italian vinaigrette: Put the parsley and thyme in a medium bowl and add the vinegar. Let stand for a few minutes, then whisk in some salt and pepper. Whisk in the garlic, oregano, mustard and honey. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil and whisk until combined.
• For the salad: Place the iceberg and romaine in a large bowl. Top with the red cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, Gorgonzola and pancetta. Before serving, pour in a healthy amount of dressing and mix well. Top with black pepper if desired.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• For the dressing: Place the vinegar, honey, Italian seasoning, garlic and some salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. While the machine is running, slowly drizzle the olive oil until the dressing is combined and emulsified. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, or add more oil if you want it less acidic.
• For the salad: Lay out the bacon in rows on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven on the upper rack and cook until crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Once it is nice and crispy, chop it up for your salad.
• In a large bowl, combine the bacon, pasta, gorgonzola, romaine, cabbage, iceberg, tomatoes and red onions. Add the dressing and toss together until all is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Steps:

• To Make the Sweet Italian Dressing: Place vinegar, garlic, sugar, oregano, salt and pepper in a blender. While the machine is running, slowly drizzle olive oil through the blender top or feed tube until dressing is combined and emulsified. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• To Make The Chopped Salad: Cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. Set aside.
• Cook bacon in a skillet until done. Let bacon cool, then crumble it.
• Combine romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, tomatoes and green onions in large salad bowl.
• Add cooled pasta, bacon and gorgonzola cheese to salad.
• Add dressing to taste right before serving so that it doesn't get soggy.