Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe Easy

Introduction

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a viral sensation for good reason. This easy recipe captures the iconic flavors of the beloved Los Angeles restaurant classic. It’s a perfect balance of crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy, unforgettable dressing. Ready in minutes, it’s the ultimate make-ahead lunch or a stunning side dish for any gathering. If you enjoy bright, citrusy desserts, you might also love this Cranberry Lemon Bars Recipe.

Ingredients

The magic of this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe lies in its perfect balance of crisp, fresh textures and a bold, tangy dressing that coats every bite.

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or 1 teaspoon dry mustard)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt and pepper
• ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or grated parmesan cheese)
• 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5-6 cups)
• 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4-5 cups)
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, which is roughly 20% faster than many similar chopped salad recipes that require cooking components like chicken or bacon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dressing

Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For the best flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2 — Cook the Chickpeas

If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chickpeas and a pinch of salt, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they are lightly crisped and golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 3 — Chop the Core Ingredients

Finely chop the iceberg lettuce, salami, and mozzarella cheese into uniform, bite-sized pieces. The key to an authentic Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is ensuring all components are chopped to a similar size for perfect texture in every forkful.

Step 4 — Combine the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, crisped chickpeas, chopped salami, and mozzarella. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Toss these ingredients gently to distribute them evenly before adding the dressing.

Step 5 — Dress and Toss

Pour about three-quarters of the prepared dressing over the salad base. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss the salad vigorously until every piece is lightly and evenly coated. Add the remaining dressing only if needed; the salad should not be soggy.

Step 6 — Add Final Accents

Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. For optimal flavor and texture, add these ingredients last so the Parmesan doesn’t clump and the pepper remains distinct.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Divide the chopped salad between chilled plates or bowls. Serve right away while the lettuce is crisp and the chickpeas retain their slight crunch. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not store well once dressed.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~22 g
Carbohydrates	~18 g
Fat	~30 g
Fiber	~5 g
Sodium	~850 mg

Note: These are approximate values for one serving of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This iconic Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing its signature character.

• Protein Swap: Turkey or Chicken Salami — For a leaner option, use thinly sliced roasted turkey or chicken breast instead of traditional salami. It maintains the savory, salty punch with less fat.
• Lower-Carb Base: Romaine Hearts & Radicchio — Swap the iceberg for a mix of chopped romaine hearts and radicchio. This adds more nutrients, a slight bitterness, and keeps the satisfying crunch.
• Dairy-Free Dressing: Vegan Mayo & Lemon — Replace the mayonnaise in the dressing with a high-quality vegan mayo and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice for the same creamy, tangy profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Chickpea Pasta — Instead of the ditalini pasta, use cooked and cooled chickpea pasta. It offers a similar shape and bite with added protein and fiber.
• Low-Sodium Version: Homemade Spice Blend — Omit the salami and use a no-salt-added Italian seasoning blend on your chosen protein. Rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to reduce sodium further.
• Cheese Alternative: Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Parmesan — For a dairy-free or lower-fat option, sprinkle nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan parmesan to mimic the umami and salty notes of the mozzarella.
• Extra Veggie Boost: Julienned Zucchini or Jicama — Add matchsticks of raw zucchini or jicama for extra volume, hydration, and a refreshing crunch, making the salad even more filling.
• Lighter Dressing Base: Greek Yogurt — For a protein-packed, tangy dressing, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with plain, full-fat Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe with a classic Italian main like chicken piccata or a simple garlic bread pizza for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal.
• Serve it as a vibrant, shareable starter at a dinner party or potluck, allowing guests to enjoy its iconic flavors as a conversation piece.
• Pack it for a stylish and satisfying lunch; the sturdy chopped ingredients hold up well, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
• Transform it into a heartier entrée by adding grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or shredded rotisserie chicken directly on top.
• For elegant plating, serve the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in a wide, shallow bowl or on a chilled plate to showcase all the colorful, finely chopped components.
• Offer crusty bread or breadsticks on the side to scoop up every last bit of the delicious, garlicky dressing.

This salad’s bold flavors also make it an excellent side for grilled meats at a summer barbecue or a refreshing counterpoint to rich pasta dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pre-shredded mozzarella. Fix: Hand-tear fresh mozzarella pearls or a block for superior texture and creaminess.
• Mistake: Over-chopping ingredients into a mushy mess. Fix: Chop components like salami and chickpeas into distinct, uniform, bite-sized pieces.
• Mistake: Skipping the salami crisping step. Fix: Briefly pan-fry the salami to render fat and add a crucial crispy, savory element.
• Mistake: Drowning the salad in dressing. Fix: The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe dressing is potent; toss lightly to coat, not soak.
• Mistake: Using bland, out-of-season tomatoes. Fix: Opt for sweet cherry or grape tomatoes year-round for consistent flavor and color.
• Mistake: Adding dressing too early. Fix: Dress just before serving to keep lettuce crisp and prevent a soggy, wilted salad.
• Mistake: Substituting iceberg lettuce entirely. Fix: Its high-water content and crunch are essential; use a mix with romaine if desired.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season each layer. Fix: Lightly salt tomatoes and chickpeas as you build for deeply seasoned bites throughout.
• Mistake: Using a dull knife to chop. Fix: A sharp chef’s knife ensures clean cuts, preserving texture and preventing bruised greens.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best quality, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
• Freezer: This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables, which will become limp and watery upon thawing. We do not recommend freezing it.
• Reheat: Reheating is not applicable for this cold salad. Always serve it chilled. If storing pre-cooked ingredients like chicken or salami, ensure they are cooled to room temperature before refrigerating and have been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For maximum freshness and food safety, always use clean utensils when serving and do not leave the salad out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is a vibrant, satisfying classic you can easily make at home. For more fresh and flavorful salads, try our Rainbow Orzo Salad Recipe or Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

What is the key to the authentic flavor of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe?

The key is the balance of the creamy, tangy dressing with the crisp, finely chopped ingredients. The dressing, made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of garlic, perfectly coats the salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas. This combination creates the signature taste of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe.

Can I prepare this chopped salad in advance?

Yes, you can chop the vegetables, cheese, and salami ahead of time and store them separately. For the best texture, toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp. This makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe a great option for easy entertaining.

What are the best substitutions for the salami in this recipe?

If you prefer a different protein, grilled chicken or turkey breast are excellent substitutes for the salami. For a vegetarian version, you can add more chickpeas or use marinated artichoke hearts. These changes still yield a delicious version of the classic salad.