Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping salad that’s as satisfying as it is legendary, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a must-try. This vibrant, flavor-packed dish unites crisp lettuces, savory salami, creamy cheeses, and garbanzo beans in a tangy homemade dressing. It’s no wonder this salad has earned a cult following in Los Angeles and beyond—each bite is a celebration of texture and taste, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or any gathering where you want to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or a pop of savory goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own bowl of this iconic salad.
- Romaine lettuce: Offers a crisp, fresh base and holds up beautifully to the hearty toppings and dressing.
- Iceberg lettuce: Adds extra crunch and a refreshing bite that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Chopped salami (preferably Italian dry salami): Brings a punch of savory, peppery flavor that makes this salad unforgettable; feel free to pick your favorite variety.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the salad for creamy texture and a mild, milky flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Garbanzo beans (chickpeas): Offer a hearty, satisfying bite and a boost of plant-based protein.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the silky base of the dressing, adding richness and fruity notes.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides brightness and the perfect tang to balance out the rich ingredients.
- Dijon mustard: Emulsifies the dressing and gives it a touch of zesty complexity.
- Garlic clove, minced: Infuses the dressing with a subtle, aromatic bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Step 1: Chop and Prep Your Vegetables
Start by finely chopping both the romaine and iceberg lettuces. The key to the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is that every bite should have a little bit of everything, so aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped lettuces into a large salad bowl to give yourself plenty of room for tossing later.
Step 2: Add the Proteins and Cheeses
Next, toss in the chopped salami, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and garbanzo beans. The mix of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and hearty beans is what sets this salad apart. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so each forkful delivers the full La Scala experience.
Step 3: Make the Signature Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the ingredients are fully emulsified. This dressing is the heart and soul of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, so give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like a bit more tang or bite.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad mixture. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is coated with that zesty, creamy dressing. The goal is to marry all the flavors and textures into one harmonious dish.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad right away for maximum freshness and crunch, or pop it in the fridge for up to an hour to let the flavors mingle and the salad chill. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or a crack of black pepper over the top. A few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley add a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness, making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a warm, crusty baguette or simple garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a bowl of soup. The balanced flavors and textures make it a versatile companion to many dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual bowls for a bistro-style touch, or pile it high on a large platter for family-style sharing. You can also tuck portions into pita pockets for a fun, portable lunch. However you present it, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is sure to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The hearty lettuces and beans hold up surprisingly well, but the texture is best within the first 24 hours.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad. The fresh vegetables and cheeses will lose their texture and become watery when thawed, so enjoy this salad fresh or chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, chilled salad, there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve made the salad ahead, simply give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the salami and you still have a hearty, protein-rich salad thanks to the garbanzo beans and cheeses. You can even add more beans or some roasted veggies if you want to bulk it up further.
What kind of salami works best?
Italian dry salami is traditional and offers bold, peppery flavor, but you can use your favorite type. Genoa or soppressata are both great options. For a lighter version, try turkey salami.
How far in advance can I dress the salad?
For the freshest texture, toss the salad with dressing right before serving or up to an hour ahead. If you need to prep further in advance, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Can I substitute other cheeses?
Definitely! Provolone or fontina are excellent swaps for mozzarella, each bringing their own delicious character. Feel free to experiment with your favorites to make the salad your own.
Is the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, making it a perfect choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your salami and mustard labels to be certain.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad has become such a beloved classic—it’s endlessly craveable, easy to make, and packed with vibrant flavors. If you’re looking to brighten up your meal routine or wow your guests, this salad is sure to win hearts. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite at your table!
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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a flavorful American-Italian no-cook salad featuring crisp romaine and iceberg lettuces, savory Italian dry salami, creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, protein-rich garbanzo beans, and a tangy Dijon-garlic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light, satisfying meal or a standout side dish, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for potlucks or quick lunches.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- ½ head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped salami (preferably Italian dry salami)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Finely chop the romaine and iceberg lettuces and add them to a large salad bowl to form the base of your salad.
- Add the Protein and Cheese: Mix in the chopped salami, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the drained, rinsed garbanzo beans with the lettuce to create a balanced combination of flavors and textures.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified, forming a smooth vinaigrette.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness, or refrigerate for up to an hour to chill before serving if preferred.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the salami and increase the quantity of cheese if desired.
- Provolone or fontina cheese can be used as delicious substitutes for mozzarella.
- This salad holds up well for potlucks and can be prepped ahead. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
