The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a classic Italian-American dish from Beverly Hills’ iconic La Scala restaurant. It’s known for its finely chopped ingredients, fresh flavors, and signature mustardy vinaigrette. This salad is as sophisticated as it is simple, making it a perfect starter or light main course.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Perfectly balanced: Every bite has a little of everything—crisp, savory, and tangy.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Recreate the legendary dish with ease.
- Customizable: Adapt it to your taste or dietary needs.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for potlucks, dinner parties, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need (full list with measurements below):
- Iceberg lettuce
- Salami
- Chickpeas
- Mozzarella cheese
- Red wine vinaigrette
You’ll find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prepare the base: Finely chop the iceberg lettuce and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the toppings: Dice the salami and mozzarella into small cubes. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Add these to the lettuce.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings until emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately for the freshest flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Uniform chopping: Chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces to get the iconic texture.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality salami, cheese, and veggies for the best flavor.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then toss them together just before serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian version: Skip the salami and add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey for a heartier meal.
- Cheese options: Try provolone or Parmesan instead of mozzarella.
- Gluten-free: Double-check your salami and mustard, or replace them with gluten-free options.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Bread: Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots for a complete meal.
- Soups: Pair it with minestrone or tomato bisque for a cozy lunch.
- Main courses: Complement grilled chicken, fish, or pasta dishes.
- Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chianti is an excellent pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store the undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: No reheating is required—this dish is best served cold.
- Leftovers: Toss leftovers with the dressing only if you’ll eat them immediately; the lettuce wilts quickly once dressed.
FAQs
- What makes this salad unique?
The finely chopped ingredients and tangy mustard vinaigrette give it a distinctive texture and bold flavor that sets it apart from traditional salads. - Can I use a different lettuce?
Iceberg is classic, but you can substitute romaine or a mix of greens if you prefer. - How do I store leftover dressing?
Keep it in a small jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using again. - Is it possible to make this vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the salami with plant-based protein and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.
Conclusion
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving a crowd, this iconic dish is sure to impress. Try it today and bring a taste of Beverly Hills into your kitchen!
Print
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a classic, beloved for its crisp ingredients and signature vinaigrette. This flavorful Italian-inspired salad features finely chopped greens, salami, and cheese, tossed in a tangy mustard-lemon dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup Genoa salami, finely diced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set aside.
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped Romaine lettuce, garbanzo beans, diced salami, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil (if using).
Toss and Serve:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To make it vegetarian, skip the salami and add extra chickpeas or olives for protein and flavor.
- Use pre-shredded lettuce to save time, but finely chopping the greens is key to the salad’s signature texture.
- Leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320-350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650-750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25-35mg