Get ready to fall in love with the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe! This vibrant chopped salad, born in the heart of Beverly Hills, is a dazzling medley of crisp lettuces, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, hearty chickpeas, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. It’s more than a salad—it’s an entire meal with layers of texture and flavor that make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re new to the world of chopped salads or a long-time devotee searching for that iconic restaurant taste, this recipe brings a touch of California glamour right to your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one plays a starring role to fill your bowl with color, crunch, and serious Italian-inspired panache. Don’t overlook anything here; from the peppery kick of the dressing to the creamy cheese and protein-packed chickpeas, everything works together for maximum deliciousness!
- Iceberg lettuce (2 cups, finely chopped): Delivers unbeatable crunch and a crisp, refreshing bite that makes every mouthful lively.
- Romaine lettuce (2 cups, finely chopped): Adds subtle, earthy notes and sturdy texture to balance out the iceberg.
- Salami (1 cup, finely chopped): Brings a savory, peppery depth—try turkey or grilled chicken for a lighter twist.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, finely chopped): Provides a creamy finish and a mild, pleasant chew throughout the salad.
- Chickpeas (1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): These little gems add protein, fiber, and a nutty vibe that feels hearty and satisfying.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Lends gentle acidity and punchy color; soak in cold water to tame their bite if you prefer.
- Red wine vinegar (1/3 cup): The base of that famous vinaigrette, providing a bright pop of tangy flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): Rich, silky, and smooth, it ties all the salad fixings together beautifully.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing so every leaf gets coated.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning—don’t skip!
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the salad a little heat and depth.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a lovely hint of Mediterranean herbs that plays well with the cheese and salami.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch goes a long way, infusing the dressing with gentle garlicky warmth.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Chop and Combine the Salad Base
Start by prepping your crisp iceberg and romaine lettuces—think small, even pieces, so every forkful includes all those flavors. Combine the chopped lettuces in a large serving bowl. Add the finely diced salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, and a scattering of red onion. The secret is in the chop: everything should be bite-sized for that signature La Scala texture that makes this salad so famously addictive!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Signature Vinaigrette
In a separate small bowl or salad dressing jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Whisk vigorously (or shake, if you’re using a jar) until the dressing is thick and fully emulsified. This zippy, tangy vinaigrette is what truly sets the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe apart—it clings to each ingredient, making every bite pop.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Just before you’re ready to serve, pour the freshly whisked vinaigrette over the chopped salad mixture. Use tongs or clean hands to toss thoroughly, ensuring that every chunky morsel is evenly coated. Avoid dressing the salad too far ahead of time; this preserves that iconic crunch and prevents sogginess. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Transfer the finished salad to bowls or a large platter and serve right away. The lively colors, gently tumbled mix, and vibrant flavors are at their peak now—this is what makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe so spectacular. Enjoy the contrasting textures and that amazing homemade dressing!
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, a few extra cracks of black pepper, or torn fresh basil leaves can take the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe from great to absolutely show-stopping. For a fun twist, top with pickled pepperoncini slices or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this salad with a crusty piece of sourdough, garlic bread, or a simple tomato soup for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. If you want to stay true to its Italian roots, add a platter of antipasto or roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the salad in individual glass bowls so everyone can admire its colorful layers. For potlucks, pile the salad into radicchio or endive leaves for a beautiful hand-held appetizer version—just don’t forget to keep the dressing on the side until just before enjoying!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, simply scoop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad will keep for up to two days, though the lettuce may lose some crispness. For best results, store the dressing separately and mix just before enjoying.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe, as the fresh vegetables and cheese don’t thaw well and can become mushy. It’s best to make this salad fresh and enjoy it within a couple of days for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and relies on its crispness and freshness, reheating isn’t necessary. If your leftovers have lost a bit of their crunch, consider tossing in a handful of fresh chopped lettuce before serving for a quick refresh.
FAQs
Can I make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the salami and double the chickpeas or add chopped avocado for richness. This simple swap keeps all the flavor and heartiness of the original.
What’s the best way to keep the salad crisp?
Hold off on adding the dressing until right before serving. You can prep all the ingredients and set them aside, then mix everything together at the last minute so the lettuce stays wonderfully crunchy.
Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?
Definitely! Try provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a personalized twist, but keep in mind that mozzarella has a mild meltiness that makes the classic salad irresistible.
Is there a way to lower the sodium?
Yes—look for low-sodium chickpeas, go lighter on the salami, or substitute with turkey or grilled chicken. You can also scale back the added salt in the dressing for a more heart-healthy version.
What protein options can I use for meal prep?
This salad is super adaptable! In addition to classic salami, grilled chicken, roast turkey, or even white beans work brilliantly if you’re planning ahead for lunches or a protein-packed dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate your salad game, try the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe and see why it’s adored by food lovers everywhere. It’s the perfect mix of freshness, flavor, and that special restaurant-style flair—sure to become a new favorite at your table!
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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is a delightful mix of crisp lettuces, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy red wine vinaigrette. A popular Beverly Hills salad that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Lettuce Mix:
- 2 cups finely chopped iceberg lettuce
- 2 cups finely chopped romaine lettuce
Salad Components:
- 1 cup finely chopped salami
- 1 cup finely chopped mozzarella cheese
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix lettuces, salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, and red onion.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, mustard, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder until emulsified.
- Toss and Serve: Pour dressing over salad before serving, toss to coat, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or grilled chicken for the salami to make it lighter.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more chickpeas or avocado.
- To keep the salad crisp, dress it just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
