The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is an iconic Los Angeles classic, overflowing with crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy cheese, tangy chickpeas, and tossed with the dreamiest Italian-inspired dressing. With every bite, you’ll understand why this salad has truly reached legendary status—it’s a crave-worthy blend of bold flavors, fun textures, and effortless goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Crunch: The combo of iceberg and romaine creates an irresistible crisp foundation in every forkful.
- Vibrant Italian Flavors: Salty salami, creamy cheese, and that bold garlicky vinaigrette invite you to savor every bite.
- Effortlessly Elegant: Comes together in just 20 minutes, but looks (and tastes!) restaurant-level impressive.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dressing and veggies in advance—perfect for both speedy lunches and easy entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe shines with just a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Every component, from the crisp lettuce to the zesty dressing, plays a starring role in building that iconic flavor and colorful, inviting salad bowl.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Choose a robust, flavorful oil as the backbone of your luscious, savory dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds just the right acidity and zip—you’ll taste the difference!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a bold, signature punch to the vinaigrette.
- Dijon Mustard (or Dry Mustard): Helps bind the dressing and infuses a gentle, peppery flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: A must for seasoning the dressing to absolute perfection.
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese: Choose your favorite for that nutty, salty, umami depth—the grated cheese melts seamlessly into the dressing.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Shredded iceberg brings unbeatable crunch and classic salad bar vibes.
- Romaine Lettuce: Balances iceberg with a touch more flavor and beautiful color variation.
- Canned Chickpeas: Adds creaminess, substance, and a lovely pop of plant-based protein.
- Italian Salami (thinly sliced): Salty and savory—truly the heart of the La Scala salad experience.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Ultra-creamy, mild, and the glue that ties all the textures together.
Variations
One of the absolute joys of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Don’t be afraid to riff based on what’s in your pantry, suit your dietary needs, or simply chase your favorite flavors.
- Vegetarian Twist: Skip the salami and add extra chickpeas or some roasted red peppers for vibrant color and plant-based goodness.
- Spicy Upgrade: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap in hot Italian salami for a tantalizing kick.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cheese shreds and leave out the meat, or add artichoke hearts for a savory, satisfying bite.
- Protein Boost: Grilled chicken or roasted turkey make this salad a hearty main meal—ideal for dinner or meal prep lunches!
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Start by making the homemade dressing—it’s the soul of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe! In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan) cheese. Whisk until creamy, or screw on the lid and shake vigorously until completely blended and glossy.
Step 2: Chop and Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, add your shredded iceberg and romaine lettuce—don’t be shy about going for extra-fine shreds for that signature La Scala texture. Add the drained, rinsed chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently toss with clean hands to evenly distribute all the goodies before dressing.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the luscious homemade dressing over the salad, using as much or as little as you love. With tongs or two big forks, toss the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe until every bite is glistening and evenly coated—so each forkful pops with perfectly balanced flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
This salad is at its peak freshness the moment it’s tossed—so dig in right away for the ultimate crunch! If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving for maximum texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- The Finer the Shred, the Better: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to shred your iceberg and romaine super finely—it’s the secret to the salad’s signature, airy crunch.
- Cheese Choice Matters: Freshly grated Pecorino Romano will melt beautifully into the dressing, but Parmesan is a stellar substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
- Salami Selection: Go for high-quality, thinly sliced Italian salami for an authentic deli flavor—or ask the butcher to slice it paper-thin for you.
- Dressing Magic: Prepare and chill the dressing an hour ahead to let the flavors meld—it gets even tastier and silkier!
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add the finishing touch with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a crack of black pepper over the top—simple flourishes that make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe feel extra luxe and homemade.
Side Dishes
This salad is hearty enough to serve as a meal, but it plays beautifully alongside crusty ciabatta, garlic breadsticks, or a warming Italian soup. For dinner parties, pair it with rustic antipasti or a roast chicken entrée for a crowd-pleasing menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual glasses or jars for easy grab-and-go entertaining, or arrange in a big, shallow platter for a stunning centerpiece. You can even layer ingredients for a dramatic, composed look at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover salad and refrigerate; it will stay fresh for 1–2 days. If you plan on leftovers, store the lettuce and toppings separately from the dressing to keep everything crisp and delicious.
Freezing
Thanks to the fresh veggies and cheese, freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe—the texture doesn’t survive the cold. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored briefly in the fridge.
Reheating
Since the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is best served cold and crunchy, reheating isn’t needed. Just give it a gentle toss, add a bit more fresh lettuce if desired, and enjoy straight from the fridge.
FAQs
-
Can I make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients and the dressing ahead of time. For best texture, keep the lettuce and toppings separate from the dressing, and toss right before serving.
-
What’s a good substitute for salami if I want a vegetarian version?
If you’re skipping the salami, try doubling the chickpeas, adding artichoke hearts, or tossing in roasted red pepper for a plant-based punch.
-
Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella and Pecorino Romano?
Of course! Shredded provolone or even asiago cheese work well; just aim for a cheese that melts slightly into the dressing for that creamy texture.
-
How do I get that classic restaurant-style chopped texture?
Use a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer to shred your lettuce into super-fine pieces, and chop salami and cheese into bite-sized bits—it gives every bite that signature La Scala crunch!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a way to bring a little bit of Hollywood history to your table, this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is the answer. Bursting with color, flavor, and that irresistible just-tossed freshness, you’ll want to make this salad again and again—whether for a quick lunch or to wow family and friends. Give it a try, and let the La Scala magic win you over!
Print
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the iconic La Scala Chopped Salad at home with this flavorful and easy recipe. Crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty dressing come together perfectly in this classic dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/3 cup 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
- 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated parmesan cheese
Salad
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5–6 cups)
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4–5 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Dressing: Add all of the salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl or small jar. Whisk everything together or close the lid and shake to combine.
- Salad: To a large bowl, add the shredded lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and mozzarella cheese. Pour the prepared dressing on top and toss to coat.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and combine right before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
