Salad Days

Chicago’s own Portillo’s shows how effortlessly giardiniera moves into nontraditional formats. In this Spicy Chicken Chopped Salad, crunchy romaine and breaded spicy chicken get a fiery boost from hot giardiniera peppers, adding zip and texture to every bite. It’s a bold twist on the classic chopped salad, and a clear nod to the condiment’s local roots. In another illustration of how giardiniera plays well with chicken: Masa of Echo Park, a pizzeria in Los Angeles, brings giardiniera into a Bistro Wrap. Grilled rosemary chicken, tomato, red onion and cheddar play supporting roles here, with ranch cooling the fiery heat of the giardiniera.