Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is fresh, satisfying, and full of balanced flavors. The chopped ingredients make every bite flavorful, and the tangy Italian dressing brings the entire dish together effortlessly.
Print
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad – A Crisp, Flavor-Packed Italian Classic
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A classic Beverly Hills favorite featuring finely chopped lettuce, Italian salami, chickpeas, and cheese tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup Italian salami, finely julienned
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Finely chop the iceberg and romaine lettuce and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chickpeas, julienned salami, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Chopping the lettuce finely is key to the authentic La Scala texture.
- Provolone cheese can be used instead of mozzarella.
- For a lighter version, reduce the salami or substitute with turkey.
- The salad tastes even better after sitting for a few minutes to absorb the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Iceberg lettuce forms the crisp base of the salad and provides refreshing crunch.
Romaine lettuce adds additional texture and a slightly deeper green flavor.
Salami contributes a savory, slightly salty element that gives the salad richness.
Chickpeas add protein and a creamy texture that balances the crisp vegetables.
Mozzarella cheese provides a mild, creamy flavor that complements the salami.
Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty note that enhances the overall flavor.
Red onion brings a subtle sharpness that contrasts with the creamy and savory ingredients.
Olive oil forms the base of the vinaigrette and adds smooth richness.
Red wine vinegar provides acidity that brightens the salad and balances the fat from the cheese and salami.
Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing while adding depth of flavor.
Garlic enhances the dressing with savory aroma.
Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Black pepper adds mild heat and complexity.
Directions
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the lettuce. Chop the iceberg and romaine lettuce into very small pieces. The fine chop is an important feature of the traditional La Scala salad because it ensures every bite includes multiple ingredients.
Place the chopped lettuce into a large mixing bowl. Add the chickpeas, diced salami, cubed mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped red onion.
Prepare the dressing in a small bowl. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Variations and Customizations
This chopped salad is highly adaptable and can easily be modified based on dietary preferences or available ingredients. For a lighter version, you can replace salami with grilled chicken or turkey. I once used grilled chicken breast, and it turned the salad into a satisfying main dish.
Vegetarian versions can omit the salami and include additional chickpeas, white beans, or roasted vegetables for added texture and protein.
If you enjoy extra crunch, consider adding chopped cucumbers or bell peppers. These ingredients provide freshness and vibrant color.
Cheese options can also be adjusted. Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella for a slightly stronger flavor profile.
For additional Mediterranean flair, olives or sun-dried tomatoes can be mixed into the salad.
Finally, if you prefer a slightly creamier dressing, mix a small amount of mayonnaise into the vinaigrette while whisking.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
FAQs
Why is the salad chopped so finely?
Finely chopping ensures each bite contains a balanced mix of ingredients.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
What can I use instead of salami?
Grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted vegetables are good substitutes.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, simply rinse and drain them before adding to the salad.
What dressing works best for this salad?
A simple red wine vinaigrette is traditional and complements the ingredients well.
Is this salad suitable as a main meal?
Yes, especially if additional protein such as chicken or beans is added.
Conclusion
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a timeless recipe that combines crisp vegetables, savory ingredients, and a bright Italian vinaigrette. Its finely chopped texture ensures every bite is perfectly balanced, making it both refreshing and satisfying. Whether served as a light meal or a flavorful side dish, this classic salad continues to win over food lovers with its simple yet unforgettable combination of flavors.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share