Authentic La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe: The Famous Italian-Inspired Delight
The iconic La Scala chopped salad brings the legendary taste of Beverly Hills’ famous Italian eatery right to your kitchen. This perfectly balanced combination of crisp lettuce, savory Italian salami, protein-packed chickpeas, and creamy mozzarella has been a celebrity favorite for decades. What makes this salad truly special is its signature dressing – a tangy blend of red wine vinegar, garlic, and Pecorino Romano cheese that ties all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
A Versatile Classic for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, elegant dinner party, or seeking a satisfying meal prep option, this la scala salad recipe delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The beauty of this Italian chopped salad lies in its versatility – it works beautifully as a standalone meal or as a complementary side to your favorite Italian dishes. Let’s dive into creating this beloved classic at home!
Ingredients for La Scala Chopped Salad
For the Salad Base
- 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
For the Signature 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 and pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated parmesan cheese
How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad
Preparing the Perfect Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, combine all dressing ingredients: ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon each of kosher salt and pepper, and ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Whisk everything together thoroughly, or if using a jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously until well combined. The dressing should appear slightly creamy and emulsified.
- Set aside to allow flavors to meld while preparing the salad components.
Assembling Your La Scala Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce, creating a crisp, textured base.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, distributing them evenly throughout the lettuce mixture.
- Julienne or chop the Italian salami into thin strips and scatter over the salad.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.
- Just before serving, pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss all ingredients until everything is well-coated with the dressing.
Tips & Variations for the Perfect La Scala Chopped Salad
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Protein Variations: Substitute grilled chicken, turkey, or even tuna for the salami if you prefer a different protein option.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is traditional, try provolone, fontina, or a mild cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie Boosts: Add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced red onions for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Bean Alternatives: Black beans or cannellini beans can replace chickpeas if preferred.
- Leafy Green Swaps: For a more robust flavor, substitute some of the lettuce with arugula or radicchio for a peppery bite.
Texture and Flavor Enhancements
- For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds just before serving.
- For a flavor boost, incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the dressing.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the genoa salami with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein.
- Add a touch of honey to the dressing if you prefer a slight sweetness to balance the tanginess.
Salad Dressings That Pair Well With This Salad
Alternative Dressing Options
- Creamy Feta Dressing: Blend feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil for a Mediterranean twist that complements the chickpeas beautifully.
- Lemon Basil Vinaigrette: A bright, herbal option that adds freshness to the rich salami and cheese in this la scala chopped salad.
- Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette: The sweet-tangy profile of balsamic works wonderfully with the savory elements in this Italian chopped salad recipe.
- Basic Italian Vinaigrette: For a more traditional approach, a simple Italian dressing with oregano and basil reinforces the Italian flavors in the salad.
What to Serve With This Salad
Main Course Pairings
This versatile chopped Italian salad pairs beautifully with numerous main dishes. Serve it alongside grilled lemon herb chicken for a complete protein-packed meal. The bright flavors of the salad balance perfectly with the herb-forward chicken, creating a satisfying yet light dinner option.
Complementary Side Dishes
Transform your la scala salad into part of a larger Italian-inspired spread by serving it with garlic parmesan green beans and some warm crusty bread. For a heartier meal, pair it with a bowl of vegetable beef soup for a satisfying lunch or dinner combination that balances fresh and comforting flavors.
Storage Tips for La Scala Chopped Salad
Keeping Your Salad Fresh
For the best experience, this la scala chopped salad should be enjoyed immediately after assembly. However, if you need to prepare components in advance:
- Store the prepared dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The olive oil may solidify slightly when chilled, so allow it to come to room temperature and shake well before using.
- Pre-chop lettuce and store in a sealed container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Keep salad components (lettuce, chickpeas, cheese, and salami) separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For leftovers of the fully assembled salad, store for no more than 24 hours as the dressing will continue to soften the lettuce.
FAQs About La Scala Chopped Salad
What makes a La Scala salad different from other chopped salads?
The La Scala chopped salad stands out because of its signature dressing containing Pecorino Romano cheese and its perfect balance of textures – crisp lettuce, tender chickpeas, chewy salami, and creamy mozzarella. The original recipe from the Beverly Hills restaurant has been beloved for decades because of this harmonious combination of simple but quality ingredients.
What type of salami works best for authentic La Scala chopped salad?
Traditionally, Genoa salami is used in la scala salad recipe due to its mild flavor and tender texture. Genoa salami vs hard salami is an important distinction – Genoa is softer with a higher fat content, which works better in this salad. However, if you prefer a different variety of Italian salami, feel free to substitute based on your personal taste preferences.
Can I make this salad ahead for meal prep?
Yes, but with some adjustments. Prepare and store all components separately, including the dressing in its own container. When ready to eat, combine the ingredients and add the dressing just before serving. This method will keep everything fresh and prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
Why You’ll Love This La Scala Chopped Salad
A Restaurant Classic Made Simple
This la scala chopped salad recipe brings a taste of Beverly Hills luxury to your everyday table. The beauty lies in its simplicity – a handful of quality ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. What started as an iconic restaurant dish has become a beloved classic that home cooks can easily recreate.
The perfect balance of crisp vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, savory salami in Italian tradition, and a tangy, robust dressing makes this more than just a salad – it’s a satisfying meal that pleases both the eye and the palate. Whether you’re serving it for a quick lunch, elegant dinner, or prepping it for the week ahead, this chopped salad delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try, and discover why this iconic recipe has stood the test of time!
Other Salads to Try
Authentic La Scala Chopped Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Whisk thoroughly or shake until well mixed.
- In a large bowl, add the shredded lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or red onions.
