Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a true classic that originated in Beverly Hills at the legendary La Scala restaurant. Known for its crisp lettuce, savory Italian salami, creamy mozzarella, and hearty chickpeas, this salad is elevated by its zesty Pecorino Romano dressing. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors—simple yet sophisticated.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this salad will impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe collection. Its versatility makes it ideal for weekday meals, potlucks, or special gatherings. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, you’ll love how easy and quick it is to whip up.

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Preparation Phase and Tools

To make this delicious salad, having the right tools and preparing in advance can make all the difference.

Essential Tools:

• Mixing bowl or jar: To whisk or shake the dressing ingredients together.
• Large salad bowl: For tossing and serving.
• Whisk or jar with a lid: A whisk helps emulsify the dressing, while a jar is perfect for shaking it up.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For slicing the Italian salami and shredding lettuce.

Preparation Tips:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Chill your lettuce in the refrigerator before shredding for a crisp texture.
• Rinse and dry chickpeas thoroughly to avoid extra liquid in the salad.

Essential Ingredients

Dressing Ingredients:

• 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 Parmesan cheese)

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded (5–6 cups)
• 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded (4–5 cups)
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Notes on Substitutions:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or replace it with roasted red peppers.
• Swap Pecorino Romano with Parmesan cheese if needed.
• Ensure salami is gluten-free if required.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, combine:
  • 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
• Use a whisk to blend the ingredients or close the jar and shake until fully combined.

Pro Tip: For a smoother dressing, ensure the Pecorino cheese is finely grated. Shake the jar vigorously for a creamy consistency.

2. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, layer the salad ingredients:
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce
  • Shredded romaine lettuce
  • Drained and rinsed chickpeas
  • Thinly sliced Italian salami
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese

3. Toss and Serve

• Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
• Gently toss the salad to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
• Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Tips:

• To save time, use pre-shredded lettuce and pre-grated mozzarella.
• For a more vibrant salad, toss in a few cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices.

Serving Suggestions

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit any occasion:

• Family-Style Presentation: Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl, allowing guests to help themselves. This approach is ideal for casual gatherings or potluck dinners.
• Individual Portions: Serve the salad pre-portioned on plates for a polished presentation during dinner parties or formal meals.
• As a Main Dish: Pair it with crusty bread or a light soup to create a complete meal.
• Side Dish Option: Serve smaller portions alongside your favorite proteins, like grilled chicken or steak.

Tip: Always serve this salad fresh and chilled for the best taste and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your La Scala Chopped Salad turns out perfectly every time, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

1. Using Soggy Lettuce
   • Keep your lettuce fresh by washing and drying it thoroughly before shredding. A salad spinner works wonders to remove excess water.
2. Overdressing the Salad
   • Start with less dressing, toss the salad, and add more if needed. This prevents the salad from becoming overly saturated.
3. Skipping High-Quality Ingredients
   • The bold flavors of this salad rely on the quality of ingredients like salami, Pecorino Romano, and extra virgin olive oil. Opt for authentic Italian-style products for the best results.
4. Pre-Dressing Too Early
   • Only toss the salad with dressing right before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce.
5. Not Slicing Ingredients Properly
   • Thinly slice the salami and shred the lettuce finely to ensure a uniform texture in every bite.

Side Dish Recommendations

Enhance your meal by pairing the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad with these complementary side dishes:

1. Garlic Bread or Focaccia
   • The buttery, garlicky flavors of these bread options pair beautifully with the tangy Pecorino dressing.
2. Creamy Tomato Soup
   • A classic Italian-inspired combo that’s warm and comforting.
3. Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
   • Add a protein boost to your meal with lightly seasoned and grilled chicken or shrimp.
4. Risotto or Pasta
   • Serve with a creamy risotto or a simple pasta like aglio e olio for a hearty pairing.
5. Antipasto Platter
   • Include marinated olives, artichokes, roasted peppers, and cured meats for a complete Italian feast.
6. Roasted Vegetables
   • Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers seasoned with olive oil and herbs.
7. Bruschetta or Caprese Skewers
   • Add an appetizer of toasted bruschetta topped with tomatoes and basil or skewers with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
8. Italian Wine or Sparkling Water
   • Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with a twist of lemon for a refreshing beverage.

Recipe Tips and Variations

1. Maximize Freshness:
   • Use freshly shredded lettuce for optimal crispness.
   • Keep the dressing refrigerated until just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor.
2. Save Time:
   • Opt for pre-shredded lettuce and pre-grated mozzarella to cut down on prep time.
   • Use a mini food processor to quickly mince garlic for the dressing.
3. Customizations:
   • Vegetarian Version: Omit the salami and add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
   • Extra Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs to make the salad a filling main dish.
   • Lighter Option: Swap mozzarella for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim ricotta salata or feta.
4. Flavor Boost:
   • Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley over the salad for a herby aroma.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

1. Storing Leftovers:
   • Store undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
   • Refrigerate for up to 1–2 days for the best quality.
2. Refrigerating the Dressing:
   • Keep the dressing in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use to re-emulsify.
3. Serving Leftovers:
   • Toss the stored ingredients together just before serving. Add extra lettuce if needed to refresh the texture.

FAQs Section

1. What makes La Scala Chopped Salad unique?
   • Its distinctive Pecorino Romano dressing and finely shredded lettuce set it apart from traditional chopped salads. The combination of Italian salami, chickpeas, and mozzarella makes it hearty yet refreshing.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   • Yes, but keep the dressing separate until serving. Prep the ingredients in advance, store them in airtight containers, and combine them just before eating.
3. What can I use instead of Pecorino Romano?
   • Parmesan cheese is an excellent substitute with a similar nutty flavor.
4. Is this salad gluten-free?
   • Yes, as long as you choose a gluten-free salami and confirm that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
5. How do I shred lettuce like a pro?
   • Rinse and pat the lettuce dry. Use a sharp knife to thinly slice it into even shreds. For extra precision, a mandoline slicer works well too.
6. What proteins work well with this salad?
   • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even thinly sliced steak are excellent additions.
7. Can I use canned chickpeas straight from the can?
   • Drain and rinse them first to remove excess sodium and improve their flavor.
8. How can I enhance the dressing’s flavor?
   • Add a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.

Conclusion

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a culinary gem that effortlessly combines simplicity with sophistication. Its crisp lettuce, creamy cheese, savory salami, and tangy dressing make it a dish you’ll want to revisit time and again. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Make it your own by experimenting with proteins, variations, and side pairings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Try it today and share the joy of La Scala’s timeless recipe!

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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

This iconic La Scala Chopped Salad is a deliciously simple mix of fresh lettuce, chickpeas, mozzarella, and Italian salami, all tossed in a tangy Pecorino Romano dressing. It’s perfect as a main dish or a healthy side for your favorite protein.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Servings: 6

Calories: 371kcal

Ingredients

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 freshly ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese

Salad:

• 1 head iceberg lettuce shredded (5-6 cups)
• 1 head romaine lettuce shredded (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 olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Whisk the ingredients together, or close the jar and shake well until fully combined.

Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, add shredded iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.

Toss and Serve

• Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Shortcuts: Use pre-shredded lettuce to save time.
Salami: Be sure to use Italian salami, not deli-style lunchmeat. It’s usually located near the specialty cheese section in most grocery stores.
Make Ahead: For meal prep, store the dressing separately and toss the salad right before serving to keep it crisp.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. If making ahead, add the dressing just before serving.