Chicago's Pizzeria Portofino shares Mediterranean salad recipe on Cooking Up A Storm

Thursday, May 2, 2024
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The weather has been so nice in the Chicago area, Thursday's Cooking Up A Storm had a summer feel.

Located right on the Chicago River in the heart of Chicago, Pizzeria Portofino is known for its unique pie.
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But other items on the menu, like the spritzes and the salads, are getting plenty of attention, too.

Jeff Smyl, with Pizzeria Portofino, joined ABC7 Chicago Thursday to make a Mediterranean salad.

Salad ingredients:
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 pinches salt
- 4 turns fresh black pepper
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup sliced radishes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
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- 1/4 cup sliced baby bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes



Italian vinaigrette ingredients
- 1 tsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. water
- 1/4 tsp. sugar
- 1 pinch oregano
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
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- 1/4 tsp. shallot, finely minced
- 1/4 tsp. garlic confit, smashed
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 pinch chili flake

The salad can be a meal by adding grilled salmon, which is a popular add-in at Pizzeria Portofino. Or, pick up a warm rotisserie chicken from your local grocer, and shred it on top. Tossing in some shrimp can also be a good option; the light Mediterranean flavors make it perfect to pair with seafood.

Serve it to your summer party guests with a pizza or your favorite pasta, like rigatoni alla vodka.

RELATED: Cooking Up A Storm: Raising money for muscular dystrophy with tavern-style pizza

The Lettuce Entertain You restaurant is located at 317 N. Clark St. in River North.



Visit www.pizzeriaportofino.com for more information.
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