Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is an iconic Los Angeles creation known for its bright, zippy dressing, irresistible crunch, and delicious blend of savory Italian flavors. If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the magic of the beloved Beverly Hills spot in your own kitchen, this recipe will make you feel like you’re lunching with Hollywood royalty—no reservation required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with just a few standout, high-quality ingredients—each one brings a different texture, color, or pop of flavor to the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each component so essential for the iconic taste.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Go for a good-quality oil, as it forms the base of the vibrant dressing and brings richness without heaviness.
• Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a tart, tangy kick that wakes up the greens and balances the creamy cheese.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dressing with bold, aromatic notes—don’t skip it!
• Dijon Mustard: A small spoonful creates depth and helps emulsify the dressing, giving it body and a subtle heat.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but necessary; they make every flavor sing.
• Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese: This sharp, salty cheese gets whisked right into the dressing for a flavor that can’t be beaten (Parmesan is a delicious, milder backup).
• Iceberg Lettuce: Shredded finely, it delivers crispness and classic chopped salad crunch.
• Romaine Lettuce: Adds contrasting texture, color, and a subtly earthy flavor that’s perfect with the other ingredients.
• Chickpeas: Canned and rinsed, chickpeas add protein, fiber, and a creamy bite to every forkful.
• Italian Salami: Paper-thin slices bring meaty, peppery, and just a bit of indulgent flavor throughout the salad.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mild and stringy, this cheese pulls everything together and creates the salad’s signature “stretch.”

Variations

One of the best things about the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is how effortlessly it adapts to your cravings, dietary needs, or whatever you have in the fridge. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

• Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the salami and bump up the chickpeas for extra hearty protein—still plenty flavorful and satisfying!
• Add Avocado: Diced avocado brings rich, creamy goodness, and an extra dose of healthy fats.
• Make it Spicy: Toss in a few chopped pepperoncini or banana peppers for a zesty twist.
• Try Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a fun change without sacrificing that classic Italian vibe.
• Go Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your salami and cheese labels as a precaution.

How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Signature Dressing

Start by making that crave-worthy dressing. Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a generous helping of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan. The key here is to whisk (or shake) until it’s creamy and well-blended—the cheese helps the dressing cling to every bite of salad, so don’t hold back.

Step 2: Chop and Toss the Greens

Finely shred both the iceberg and romaine lettuce. The small pieces are what make this salad so easy to eat (and so memorable!)—think bite-sized, never bulky. Pile the greens into a big mixing bowl to make tossing a breeze.

Step 3: Add the Savory Stars

Add in your well-drained chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and that mountain of shredded mozzarella. Each element brings something a little different—earthy beans, peppery meat, and stretchy cheese.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the homemade dressing over the salad mixture and use salad tongs (or two big spoons) to toss until everything is lightly, evenly coated. Don’t be shy—really mix, so every leaf and morsel gets a taste of that iconic La Scala flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe immediately for the freshest, crunchiest texture. If you want to prep ahead, keep the dressing and salad separate until just before serving.

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your salad with a snowy dusting of extra grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for even more savory richness, or scatter a few freshly ground black pepper flakes and torn basil leaves on top for an extra pop of color and peppery aroma.

Side Dishes

This salad can easily shine solo as a lunch entrée, but it’s absolutely irresistible alongside a warm slice of focaccia, a thin-crust pizza, or a classic Italian minestrone soup. For summer parties, pair it with grilled chicken or fish for simple, elegant hosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe in colorful bowls family-style, or pile it high in individual mason jars for stunning picnic fare. You can even stuff the salad into toasted baguette halves for a chopped salad “sandwich”—totally unexpected, and totally delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days, but for peak crunch, store the salad and dressing separately, then toss just before enjoying your next bowl.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well—the lettuce and cheese lose texture after thawing. But the dressing? Go ahead and make a batch! The vinaigrette can be stored in the fridge up to a week, ready to toss with fresh greens on demand.

Reheating

Since salads are best enjoyed cold and crisp, there’s no need to reheat. If your leftovers have softened, try scooping some onto a sandwich or wrap for a delicious twist—waste not, want not!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to taste why this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe has earned such a loyal following, grab your best ingredients and dive in! It’s bright, crunchy, and completely crave-worthy—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or savoring quietly all to yourself. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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