If you’ve ever dreamed of a salad that bursts with flavor, texture, and satisfying heartiness, let me introduce you to the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. This vibrant combination of crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce, savory Italian salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy dressing showcases the perfect harmony of simple ingredients coming together in a way that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a standout lunch or a versatile side dish, this salad delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing layers of flavor, crunch, and creaminess that keep your taste buds dancing with every bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This forms the luscious base of the dressing, adding richness and a fruity note.
- Red wine vinegar: Brings the perfect tanginess that balances the salad’s creamier elements.
- Garlic, minced: A punch of savory depth that awakens the palate.
- Dijon mustard or dry mustard: Adds a subtle zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavors.
- Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty and nutty dimension to the salad.
- Shredded iceberg lettuce: Provides crispy, refreshing crunch.
- Shredded romaine lettuce: Adds a slightly bitter, fresh green layer.
- Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Offers creaminess and hearty protein with a mild nutty flavor.
- Italian salami, thinly sliced: Infuses savory, spiced goodness that makes this salad unforgettable.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts delicately in your mouth, lending a soft, milky richness.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing with Love
Start by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. The key here is to blend these ingredients well until the dressing is smooth and harmonious, packing a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and robust flavors.
Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces—you want that crisp base that offers both texture and freshness. Next, add the drained chickpeas for creaminess, the thinly sliced Italian salami for that signature smoky bite, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese to bring everything together with smooth richness.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour the freshly made dressing over the combined ingredients. Gently toss everything to coat evenly; this step ensures every forkful has that beautiful mix of flavors from the dressing mingling with the crunchy veggies and savory salami. Your famous salad is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, consider sprinkling extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese over the top to enhance the salty notes. You can also add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of color and a fresh scent that invites you to dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop of the dressing. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled chicken or a simple pasta, making it a versatile option for meals that feel both light and substantial.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a large wooden bowl for a rustic Italian vibe or in individual clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers. Another fun idea is to arrange the salad on a large platter with neat rows of each ingredient before tossing, creating a stunning visual feast that your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh and prevent sogginess, it’s best to store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The greens and fresh cheese won’t maintain their texture or flavor well after freezing.
Reheating
Since the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is designed to be served cold, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want a warm option, consider heating some grilled chicken or bread to serve alongside it.
FAQs
Can I substitute the salami with another meat?
Absolutely! Pepperoni, ham, or even cooked bacon work wonderfully well, offering different but equally delicious flavors that complement the salad’s ingredients.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to re-emulsify the ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
To make it vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the salami and perhaps add extra chickpeas or roasted vegetables to maintain the salad’s heartiness.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Certainly! Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or roasted red peppers can add color and additional flavor, making the salad even more vibrant and personalized.
What is the best cheese to use in this salad?
Pecorino Romano is traditional and gives a tangy, salty kick, but Parmesan is a great alternative. Fresh mozzarella is used shredded to add creaminess, so a balance of these cheeses really brings out the classic flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to come back to time and again. Its vibrant medley of tastes and textures is satisfying without being complicated, making it perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily this salad becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6.5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant, flavorful Italian-inspired salad blending crisp iceberg and romaine lettuces with protein-packed chickpeas, savory Italian salami, and creamy mozzarella. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and mustard, this chopped salad is both hearty and refreshing, perfect as a main or side dish for gatherings or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- â…“ 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 freshly ground black pepper
- â…“ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated Parmesan cheese
Salad Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. Whisk thoroughly or seal and shake until all ingredients are well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces, drained chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.
- Toss salad to coat: Gently toss all components together until the dressing evenly coats every ingredient, ensuring a flavorful and balanced chopped salad ready to serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best flavor.
- Adjust vinegar and mustard quantities to taste for more or less tanginess.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or substitute with vegetarian deli slices.
- Best served fresh; lettuce may become soggy if dressed too far in advance.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days without dressing; add dressing before serving.
