Portillo's, the fast-casual eatery famed for its Chicago-style hot dogs and sandwiches, is expanding its menu to include two new salads, blending classic flavors with a fresh twist. A press release announced the addition of the Spicy Chicken Chopped Salad and the Chicken Pecan Salad with Bacon to the restaurant's lineup, dishes that embody the "Windy City flare."

The launch comes after customer feedback clamored for more fresh and diverse options on the Portillo's menu. "We heard our guests – they love Portillo’s fresh salads so much, that they wanted additional options. So we listened," Garrett Kern, Portillo’s VP of Strategy and Culinary, told NBC Chicago. Drawing from a period of testing at selected locations, the chain is ready to roll out the new offerings across all branches.

According to a press release from Globe Newswire, the new Spicy Chicken Chopped Salad amps up the heat with breaded spicy chicken and hot giardiniera mixed with Portillo's house dressing. The Chicken Pecan Salad, alternatively, mingles a spring mix, red cabbage, and sliced grilled chicken with pecans, tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese, and is completed with, a drizzle of honey peppercorn dressing.

Portillo’s is making both salads available in entrée and catering sizes to accommodate various appetites and occasions. In addition to the in-store dining experience, salad enthusiasts can also place their orders online or via the Portillo's App for delivery or takeout. Kern's statement echoed throughout the press materials, punctuating the brand's eagerness to meet customer demand and enhance the dining experience with these new creations.

These salad additions bolster Portillo’s existing selection, uniting with other popular options such as the Greek Salad, Caesar Salad, and the original Chopped Salad. As Portillo's continues to grow – now boasting over 45 locations throughout Illinois and numerous other states including Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin – it showcases its commitment to innovation without straying from its Chicago street food roots.