The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe: A Timeless Delight

On a bustling summer evening, this classic La Scala chopped salad recipe brings pure culinary magic to your table.

Restaurants around Los Angeles have tried to replicate its incredible blend of flavors.

Every ingredient sings with bold, fresh Mediterranean notes that dance across your palate.

Crisp vegetables mingle with savory salami and tangy provolone cheese, creating a symphony of textures.

The salad bursts with zesty Italian dressing that ties everything together in perfect harmony.

Generations of food enthusiasts have fallen in love with this iconic dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this delightful creation.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad – Why It’s a Crowd Favorite

• This salad comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep when you need something delicious and fast.
• Swap ingredients like switching salami for chicken or adding different cheeses to suit your taste preferences, creating a versatile dish that adapts to your mood.
• Loaded with protein from chickpeas and salami, plus crisp lettuce and creamy mozzarella, this salad delivers a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied and energized.
• Its classic Italian-inspired flavors make this salad a hit at potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something tasty and approachable.

Ingredients to Recreate La Scala Chopped Salad

• Lettuce: A crisp and fresh green base that provides a crunchy foundation for the salad.
• Chickpeas: Protein-packed legumes that add texture and nutritional value to the dish.
• Italian Salami: A flavorful meat that brings a rich, savory element to the salad.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that adds a smooth and mild flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: A classic combination that creates a tangy and smooth salad dressing base.
• Dijon Mustard: A zesty condiment that helps emulsify the dressing and adds a sharp flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dressing.

• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, aromatic finishing touch to the salad.

Tools for Chopping and Tossing Salad

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining salad ingredients.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Used for preparing and mixing salad dressing.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping or shredding ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise ingredient preparation.

How to Put Together La Scala’s Famous Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Grab a small mixing bowl or jar.

Pour in red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk the ingredients vigorously or seal the container and shake until the dressing becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Chop and Combine Salad Components

• Crisp romaine lettuce
• Tender chickpeas
• Sliced Italian salami
• Creamy mozzarella cheese

Drizzle the freshly prepared dressing over the ingredients.

Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss and coat everything evenly.

Step 3: Plate and Enjoy Immediately

Transfer the colorful salad to individual plates.

Serve right away to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the vibrant flavors.

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.

Tips for the Perfect Chopped Salad Bowl

• Add a pinch of dried oregano or fresh basil to enhance the Italian-style vinaigrette's taste profile.
• Swap salami with grilled chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for different dietary preferences.
• Keep dressing on the side and add just before serving to maintain crisp lettuce texture and prevent wilting.
• Replace mozzarella with provolone or fresh parmesan for a different cheese experience and added depth.
• Chop ingredients and store separately in airtight containers to quickly assemble the salad when ready to eat.

Salad Variations for Every Taste

• Vegan Delight: Replace salami with grilled tofu or tempeh strips, use vegan mozzarella, and keep the chickpeas for protein-packed plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional salami for gluten-free salami or turkey salami, ensuring all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Eliminate chickpeas, increase cheese and salami portions, and add extra leafy greens for a carbohydrate-reduced meal.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute salami with grilled chicken, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Greek-inspired transformation.

Serving Up La Scala Chopped Salad in Style

• Fresh Plating Paradise: Serve on a chilled white ceramic plate for an elegant restaurant-style presentation.
• Appetizer Companion: Pair with crispy garlic bread or toasted crostini to add delightful crunch and complement the salad's textures.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or light sauvignon blanc to enhance the salad's Italian-inspired flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and transform this side dish into a satisfying main course meal.

How to Store Chopped Salad to Keep It Crisp

• Store salad ingredients and dressing in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Eat refrigerated salad within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture, as lettuce and cheese can deteriorate rapidly.
• Before serving leftovers, drain excess moisture, gently toss ingredients, and add fresh lettuce to restore crunchiness.
• Keep salad dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, giving it a quick shake before reusing.

FAQs

• What makes La Scala Chopped Salad unique?

The salad combines classic Italian ingredients like salami and mozzarella with fresh chickpeas and crisp lettuce, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in this salad?

You can easily swap salami for prosciutto or replace mozzarella with provolone cheese. For a vegetarian option, remove the salami and add more chickpeas or grilled vegetables.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, the salad offers a good balance of protein from chickpeas and salami, calcium from cheese, and nutrients from fresh lettuce. The homemade dressing allows you to control the ingredients and avoid processed additives.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

La scala’s famous chopped salad blends crisp lettuce with salami, provolone, and chickpeas in a zesty dressing. Home chefs can easily recreate this classic Italian-American restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and quick preparation.

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Ingredients

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Salad Components:

• 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5–6 cups)
• 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4–5 cups)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 0.25 pound (4 ounces/113 grams) Italian salami, thinly sliced

Cheese and Protein Additions:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or grated parmesan cheese)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or 1 teaspoon dry mustard)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft the zesty dressing by combining all ingredients in a compact container, vigorously whisking or sealing and shaking until perfectly blended.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, layer crisp shredded lettuce as the foundational element, strategically introducing chickpeas for protein-rich texture.
3. Delicately scatter Italian salami and crumbled mozzarella across the verdant base, creating a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired composition.
4. Drizzle the meticulously prepared dressing over the salad’s surface, using gentle tossing motions to ensure each ingredient becomes elegantly coated.
5. Serve immediately to preserve optimal crispness and flavor integrity, savoring the vibrant culinary creation at its peak freshness.
6. For advanced meal preparation, store dressing separately in a sealed container within the refrigerator, maintaining salad components in individual compartments to prevent premature wilting.
7. When planning to consume leftovers, recommend consuming within 1-2 days to guarantee maximum taste and textural quality.

Notes

• Customize the dressing by adjusting the vinegar-to-oil ratio for a tangier or smoother flavor profile.
• Swap traditional salami with plant-based alternatives like tempeh or seitan for a vegetarian version that maintains the salad’s protein punch.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra protein sources like grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
• Keep ingredients crisp by adding cheese and dressing just before serving to prevent soggy lettuce and maintain optimal texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg