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Portillo's House Dressing Recipe (Easy Copycat)

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By Ella
Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 0 min
Calories 115 kcal
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Servings

Directions / Instructions

Why You'll Love This Portillo's House Dressing

Portillo's House Dressing has become just as famous as the restaurant's iconic chopped salad. Unlike traditional Italian dressing, this version combines extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness to create a creamy, tangy, and incredibly flavorful dressing that complements almost any salad.

This homemade copycat recipe comes together in only 10 minutes using pantry staples and tastes even better after chilling. Whether you're making Portillo's famous chopped salad, dressing fresh greens, marinating chicken, or drizzling it over roasted vegetables, this versatile dressing delivers authentic restaurant-inspired flavor every time.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the Ingredients

Add the olive oil, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sugar, Dijon mustard, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to a blender or mason jar.

2. Blend or Shake

Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth and creamy, or tightly seal the jar and shake vigorously until fully emulsified.

3. Chill

Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving so the herbs hydrate and the flavors meld together.

4. Serve

Shake well before serving and drizzle generously over chopped salads, garden salads, pasta salads, grilled vegetables, sandwiches, or use as a marinade.

Expert Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. High-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in the finished dressing. Allow the dressing to chill for at least an hour before serving to develop a richer, more balanced flavor. If the olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator, let the dressing sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before shaking again.

Storage

Store the dressing in an airtight mason jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake thoroughly before each use because natural separation is normal. Do not freeze, as the texture may change after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is perfect for Portillo's-style chopped salads, Caesar-inspired salads, pasta salads, spinach salads, grilled chicken salads, sandwiches, wraps, roasted vegetables, grilled shrimp, fresh tomatoes, antipasto platters, and even as a dipping sauce for crusty Italian bread.

Recipe Variations

Add fresh basil for extra herb flavor, substitute red wine vinegar for a deeper Italian taste, or include a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. For a creamier dressing, increase the mayonnaise slightly or blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt. Crushed red pepper flakes add a pleasant kick, while a drizzle of honey creates a sweeter version.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's a creamy Italian-style dressing with tangy vinegar, rich olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and a subtle touch of sweetness.
Yes. It actually tastes better after several hours in the refrigerator because the flavors have time to blend together.
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Absolutely. It works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, pork, shrimp, or grilled vegetables.
Natural separation is normal because the dressing contains oil and vinegar. Simply shake or whisk well before serving.
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