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.

Flavors on the Edge is an ongoing series that explores emerging ingredients poised to become high-impact flavor builders.