Meet the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad: a legendary Beverly Hills creation that’s both luxuriously satisfying and incredibly easy to make at home. Packed with crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, tangy salami, and a parmesan-kissed vinaigrette, this is no ordinary salad—it’s the delicious “it girl” of the salad world, and absolutely worthy of the hype!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Iconic Flavors, Simple Ingredients: Every bite of this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad delivers a medley of punchy, tangy, and savory notes with ingredients you probably already have.
- Hearty Enough for a Meal: The combo of salami, chickpeas, and cheese makes this salad filling enough to stand alone as lunch or dinner.
- Crispy, Crunchy, & Creamy: Every mouthful is perfectly chopped for a satisfying mix of textures—no boring salads here!
- Perfect for Sharing (or Not!): This recipe is ideal for a crowd, but you’ll secretly hope for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I just know you’re going to swoon over how easy it is to gather the ingredients for the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad. Each one plays an important part—adding crunch, flavor, or that all-important LA luxury vibe—so don’t skip them!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The salad’s silky, flavorful base; good olive oil makes all the difference for the best-tasting dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Brings tanginess and a subtle bite that wakes up all the flavors.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced for a bold, aromatic kick in every bite of dressing.
- Dijon Mustard (or Dry Mustard): Emulsifies the dressing while adding depth and a gentle, zippy heat.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential to season the dressing just right.
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese: Offers a rich, salty, umami-boost that perfectly clings to every lettuce leaf.
- Iceberg Lettuce: The classic foundation—crisp and super fresh; don’t be afraid to shred it finely.
- Romaine Lettuce: Adds another layer of leafy crunch for an ideal texture balance.
- Canned Chickpeas: Creamy, hearty, and protein-packed; be sure to rinse and drain well.
- Italian Salami: Bold and meaty with a whisper of spice for the signature La Scala touch—slice it nice and thin.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A generous handful of cheese brings creaminess and deliciousness in every mouthful.
Variations
One of the best things about the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is how easy it is to make it your own—swap, add, or tweak ingredients to your heart’s content! It’s the perfect canvas if you want to suit dietary needs or indulge a craving.
- No-Meat Version: Skip the salami or replace it with roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
- Bolder Cheese Swap: Try sharp provolone or feta in place of mozzarella if you crave a little extra punch.
- Greens Makeover: Mix in baby kale or arugula alongside the iceberg and romaine for a peppery, modern upgrade.
- Low-Carb Tweak: Drop the chickpeas and add more salami and cheese for a lower-carb treat that’s just as satisfying.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Dreamy Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Pecorino Romano (or parmesan), salt, and pepper. Take a whisk (or just pop the lid on your jar and shake like crazy!) to emulsify everything until creamy and well-blended. This tangy, cheesy dressing is truly the flavor backbone of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, so take a quick taste to adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Chop and Prep the Salad Base
Now, grab your sharpest knife and finely shred both the iceberg and romaine lettuces into delicate ribbons—chopping them small is the La Scala signature! Place the shredded greens in a giant mixing bowl, then add the chickpeas (drained and rinsed), Italian salami (thinly sliced into ribbons or small pieces), and a generous helping of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Pour the dressing over your salad ingredients. Gently—but thoroughly—toss everything together until all those gorgeous flavors and textures are evenly coated in that iconic, tangy dressing. Serve right away for the ultimate freshness—every bite should be packed with flavor, color, and crunch!
Pro Tips for Making Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
- The Chop Factor: For that true La Scala experience, take the extra minute to finely chop all ingredients—even the salami and cheese. The salad should be fork-friendly in every bite!
- Dressing-to-Lettuce Ratio: Add the dressing gradually; toss, taste, and add a little more if you want extra flavor. You want everything well-coated, but never soupy.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Don’t use pre-shredded cheese if possible—shred your own for better melt, texture, and flavor in the salad.
- Make-Ahead Magic: To prep ahead, keep the dressing and salad separate until just before serving so the lettuce stays super crisp and vibrant!
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Garnishes
Take your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad to the next level with a final shower of freshly grated parmesan or Pecorino Romano just before serving. For a pop of color and some zing, a scatter of sliced pepperoncini or fresh herbs like parsley or basil is fabulous, too.
Side Dishes
This salad is a superstar all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with classic Italian sides like a warm garlic focaccia, herby roasted vegetables, or a simple tomato bruschetta. Add a glass of crisp white wine for a true La Scala experience!
Creative Ways to Present
For a chic dinner party starter, scoop the salad into individual martini or coupe glasses and top with a twist of salami. Or, serve it family-style in a massive wooden bowl—pile it high and let guests serve themselves for a casual, showstopping moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), pop the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best eaten within one to two days, as the lettuce will start to lose its crunch the longer it sits with dressing.
Freezing
This is definitely a salad best enjoyed fresh—freezing isn’t recommended, as the lettuce and cheese don’t thaw well and the texture will suffer. If you’re craving Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, whip up a fresh batch instead!
Reheating
No reheating needed here! The beauty of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is its crisp, refreshing nature. If prepping ahead, store the salad and dressing separately and toss just before serving for best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of lettuce for the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
Absolutely! While the classic recipe uses iceberg and romaine for the perfect crunch, feel free to try butter lettuce, arugula, or baby kale for a unique twist while still maintaining the salad’s signature texture.
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Is the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this salad is entirely gluten-free. Just make sure the salami and cheese are labeled gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with a sensitivity.
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Can I make this salad ahead of time?
To keep your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad ultra-fresh, chop all your ingredients and prepare the dressing in advance, but keep them separate until just before serving. Toss everything together when you’re ready to eat!
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What other proteins can I add to the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
If you want extra protein or a heartier dish, try grilled chicken, turkey, or even roasted shrimp—they all play well with the classic LA flavors of the dressing and veggies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a salad that has it all—crunch, color, flavor, and that Beverly Hills “it factor”—the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is the one to try. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish is adored from Hollywood to home kitchens everywhere. Give it a go, and let it become your go-to favorite for any occasion!
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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the refreshing and flavorful Famous La Scala Chopped Salad at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Crispy lettuce, hearty chickpeas, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella tossed in a zesty dressing make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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 jar. Whisk or shake to combine.
- Salad: In a large bowl, combine shredded lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and mozzarella. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
