The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is an absolute delight, bringing together the freshest greens, savory Italian salami, and a tangy, homemade dressing that will have you coming back for seconds.This vibrant chopped salad strikes the perfect balance of crunchy textures and bold flavors, making it an irresistible dish for lunch, dinner, or even as a party centerpiece. Every bite bursts with freshness and a satisfying mix of ingredients that elevate this classic recipe to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a refreshing yet hearty salad that satisfies the palate. From the crisp lettuces to the sharp Pecorino Romano, every component adds color, texture, and taste that blends seamlessly together.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing, providing richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the olive oil and cheese.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dressing with a subtle boldness for depth of flavor.
- Dijon mustard or dry mustard: Binds the dressing ingredients and adds a mild spicy kick.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the salad perfectly.
- Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty punch that ties the salad together.
- Shredded iceberg lettuce: Offers crispness and a clean, fresh texture.
- Shredded romaine lettuce: Adds a slightly bitter, crunchy element for contrast.
- Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Bring a creamy texture and subtle earthiness to the mix.
- Italian salami, thinly sliced: Injects savory, spicy meatiness that complements the veggies perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Smooth and mild, balancing the sharpness of the salami and Pecorino Romano.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk the ingredients together vigorously or close the jar tightly and shake until the dressing is well emulsified. This dressing is the heart of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe, delivering that zesty, savory punch that elevates every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce to create a fresh, layered base. Next, add the rinsed chickpeas for a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy greens. Scatter the thinly sliced Italian salami evenly throughout the salad to introduce bold, smoky flavors. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, adding a luscious, melty touch that brings all the ingredients into harmony.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad and toss everything vigorously to ensure every leaf and ingredient is coated with that irresistible mix of tangy and savory goodness. This final step makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe come alive, marrying all its wonderful components into one unforgettable dish.
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation and extra bursts of flavor, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkling of additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese. You can also add a few kalamata olives or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to take the salad to the next level.
Side Dishes
This chopped salad pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, grilled chicken, or a simple pasta dish. Its hearty yet fresh profile makes it versatile enough to accompany both light meals and more indulgent fare.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for a charming picnic or party appetizer. Alternatively, arrange it artistically on a large platter with the dressings drizzled artistically on top for a family-style meal that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain crispness, keep the dressing separate and toss the salad just before serving whenever possible.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing will alter the texture of the greens and cheese. It is not recommended to freeze the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. If you want, you can let refrigerated leftovers sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off before eating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While Pecorino Romano and mozzarella are traditional and provide a perfect flavor balance, you can experiment with Parmesan, Asiago, or even a sharp cheddar to customize the taste.
Is it necessary to use both iceberg and romaine lettuce?
Using both types adds a fantastic range of texture and flavor: iceberg brings crispness, and romaine adds a slight bitterness and deeper green color. But if you want, you can use just one or swap in other lettuces like butter lettuce or arugula.
How long does it take to prepare the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe?
This recipe is wonderfully simple and quick, with a total prep time of about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to recombine the ingredients.
What can I do to make this salad vegan-friendly?
To adapt the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe for a vegan diet, simply omit the cheese and substitute the salami with marinated roasted vegetables or a plant-based deli meat alternative.
Final Thoughts
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is a wonderful celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and utterly delicious—an ideal way to bring some Italian-inspired vibrancy to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how quickly this chopped salad becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant, flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining crisp iceberg and romaine lettuces with hearty chickpeas, savory Italian salami, and creamy mozzarella cheese. Tossed in a zesty dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and tangy mustard, this chopped salad offers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal quick and satisfying meal or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- 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
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated Parmesan cheese
Salad
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (about 5–6 cups)
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (about 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
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon or dry mustard, kosher salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is thoroughly blended or close the jar and shake well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce and shredded romaine lettuce, ensuring both lettuces are chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy tossing and eating.
- Add Protein and Cheese: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the thinly sliced Italian salami and shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the lettuce. These ingredients layer in richness and texture, making the salad hearty and satisfying.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients for the best flavor distribution.
- Serve: Once tossed, serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness and crispness, or chill briefly if desired. Enjoy this bright, tasty salad as a main dish or paired alongside your favorite Italian meals.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for the most flavorful dressing.
- If preferred, substitute salami with other cured meats like pepperoni or prosciutto.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and consider adding roasted chickpeas or grilled vegetables instead.
- Make sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas well to avoid dressing dilution.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; toss again before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
