The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is a legendary Los Angeles creation that has stood the test of time for a reason. With ultra-crispy lettuce, savory Italian salami, creamy mozzarella, and the zingiest Pecorino dressing, it’s the kind of salad you’ll crave on repeat—and everyone at the table will beg for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp, Fresh Texture: Every bite bursts with cool, crunchy lettuce and tender chickpeas—salad nirvana!
- Ultimate Flavor Balance: Tangy red wine vinaigrette, creamy cheese, and savory salami are pure magic together.
- Quick, Crowd-Pleaser: You can whip this up in 20 minutes, and it’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression at any gathering.
- Iconic Status: The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s a bona fide LA food icon you can make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true brilliance of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe lies in its staple ingredients—they may be simple, but each plays a starring role! From crisp greens to that dreamy, tangy dressing, every addition brings something essential to the dish’s balance of flavors and texture.
- Iceberg Lettuce: A must for unbeatable crunch and that refreshing, classic bite.
- Romaine Lettuce: Adds structure and color, plus a slightly peppery undertone.
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Protein-packed and creamy, they soak up every drop of dressing.
- Italian Salami: Thinly sliced for extra savory punch—classic Genoa or your favorite kind both work beautifully.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For gentle creaminess and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese (for the dressing): Salty, sharp, and so flavorful—grated fresh if possible!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The backbone of the rich, silky homemade vinaigrette.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This gives the dressing its signature tang and brightness.
- Garlic: A couple of minced cloves for just the right sort of zing.
- Dijon Mustard: Essential for depth and for helping the dressing emulsify.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: To bring it all together and highlight the other ingredients.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is how versatile it is—you can easily make it your own based on whatever’s in your fridge, your mood, or your dietary lifestyle! Don’t be afraid to put your spin on it.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the salami and toss in some marinated artichokes or extra chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Make it Vegan: Use your go-to vegan cheese and a vegan salami or roasted red peppers instead of the traditional meat and cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add a handful of sliced pepperoncini or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to wake things up.
- Herb-Forward: Minced fresh basil or parsley in the mix adds even more color and aromatic freshness.
- Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free—just double-check the labels on your salami and cheese to be sure.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pecorino Vinaigrette
Start by adding olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, a good pinch of salt and pepper, and freshly grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan) to a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until the dressing emulsifies and turns slightly creamy—it’s that punchy, tangy, cheesy magic that takes this salad from good to unforgettable.
Step 2: Prepare All the Salad Ingredients
Grab your biggest salad bowl and pile in the shredded iceberg and romaine lettuce, drained and rinsed chickpeas, thinly sliced salami, and a fluffy mound of shredded mozzarella. Each ingredient adds its own special something to every forkful!
Step 3: Dress & Toss the Salad
Pour that irresistible Pecorino vinaigrette all over the greens and goodies. Toss gently but thoroughly—think “scoop and lift” to avoid bruising the lettuce and make sure every nook and cranny gets coated in that zesty dressing.
Step 4: Serve & Savor Immediately
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is all about freshness, so serve it up right away. Each bite should have lettuce crunch, a hint of garlic, salty cheese, creamy chickpea, and that iconic LA flair!
Pro Tips for Making Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Chop Like a Pro: Use a sharp chef’s knife to shred lettuce and salami super finely—the smaller the pieces, the more flavor in each bite.
- Dressing-by-Jar: Shake the dressing in a mason jar for quick, no-mess emulsification (plus, you can store any leftovers right in the jar!)
- Ice-Cold Crunch: Chill your greens before assembling for maximum crispness, just like La Scala does!
- Last-Minute Toss: Toss the salad with the dressing only when you’re ready to serve—this keeps everything vibrant and never soggy.
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For the prettiest (and tastiest) finish, sprinkle the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe with extra shaved Pecorino or Parmesan cheese, a little cracked black pepper, or even some fresh chopped parsley for a burst of green. You can also add a scatter of pepperoncini or olives if you want to make it sparkle with color and contrast.
Side Dishes
This salad is an absolute star alongside warm focaccia, crunchy crostini, or a rustic Italian bread. It’s also the perfect side for simple grilled chicken, juicy roast salmon, or even pasta for a light, lively meal that still feels special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe in a huge, low platter for family-style sharing, or scoop portions into crispy lettuce cups for a modern, party-ready twist. For an elegant starter, build individual “mini towers” using a ring mold, topped with fresh herbs and a shower of cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (it rarely happens!), transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate—it will stay fresh for 1 to 2 days. For best results, store the salad and dressing separately to keep that signature crunch.
Freezing
Chopped salads like this one, especially with raw greens and cheese, don’t freeze well—the texture becomes mushy and loses its magic. For the best La Scala salad experience, always make it fresh and skip the freezer for this recipe!
Reheating
There’s no reheating needed for the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. In fact, it’s best served refreshingly cold and crisp, so simply give any leftovers a gentle toss before digging in!
FAQs
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Can I prep the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop your lettuce, slice the salami, and shred the cheese in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and keep the dressing in a sealed jar. Just toss everything together right before serving for the ultimate crispness.
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What’s the best substitute for Pecorino Romano cheese?
If you don’t have Pecorino Romano, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Both offer a salty, sharp kick, but Parmesan is a bit milder. Either one will create a delicious result!
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Can I use a different meat or make it vegetarian?
Definitely. The classic uses Italian salami, but you can swap in turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even skip the meat altogether and add extra beans, roasted veggies, or marinated artichokes for a vegetarian twist.
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Why is everything chopped so finely in the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe?
Finely chopping all the ingredients ensures you get a bit of everything in every single bite—lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and that zippy dressing! It’s what makes the salad so satisfying and easy to eat, just like in the LA original.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe yet, get ready for your new obsession! It’s bold, fresh, and so easy to make—a true classic for a reason. Gather your greens and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to this iconic LA salad at home. You’ll be the star at every table!
Print
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and iconic La Scala Chopped Salad recipe that features a flavorful dressing, a mix of fresh lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and mozzarella cheese. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among salad lovers.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated parmesan cheese
Salad
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5–6 cups)
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4–5 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Dressing: Add all of the salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl or small jar. Whisk everything together or close the lid and shake to combine.
- Salad: To a large bowl, add the shredded lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and mozzarella cheese. Pour the prepared dressing on top and toss to coat.
- Enjoy this La Scala salad recipe right away. Store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days. Store the dressing separately to prep in advance.
