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