Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is an iconic Los Angeles staple that’s pure joy in every crunchy, tangy bite. This beloved salad is all about lively flavors, from the zesty homemade dressing to the satisfying mix of shredded ice-cold lettuce, creamy chickpeas, nutty Pecorino Romano, and rich bits of Italian salami. Whether you’re seeking a standout lunch or a crowd-pleasing side, this salad blends simple ingredients into something truly special—you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of fresh ingredients come together to bring the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe to life. Each plays a starring role, delivering bursts of flavor, vibrant color, and a fantastic mix of textures. Make sure to select the freshest components for an irresistible result!

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a luscious, fruity base to the dressing and lets every ingredient shine.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Lends a bright, zippy acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and salami.
• Garlic: Delivers a subtle pungency, dialing up the overall savoriness of the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard (or dry mustard): Brings a gentle heat and helps emulsify the dressing so it’s creamy and smooth.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that make each flavor in the salad pop.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese (or Parmesan): Gives the dish a salty, umami bite and beautiful texture when grated.
• Iceberg Lettuce: Offers crispness and a refreshing foundation that soaks up the flavorful dressing.
• Romaine Lettuce: Adds a delicate crunch and earthy backbone that makes every mouthful satisfying.
• Chickpeas: These creamy, nutty legumes make the salad hearty and full of protein.
• Italian Salami: Thinly sliced, it brings just the right amount of salty, robust flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creaminess and an ultra-satisfying, savory finish to every bite.

How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Zesty Dressing

In a small bowl or a sealable jar, combine your extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (or dry mustard), kosher salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Vigorously whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth and emulsified—this gets all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures every bite of salad will be packed with tangy, cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Grab your largest salad bowl and add in the shredded iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella. The secret in the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is the fine chop—this makes the salad so scoopable and craveable, with every forkful offering a perfect medley of textures.

Step 3: Toss and Dress

Pour the prepared dressing right over your salad ingredients. Use tongs or two big forks to toss everything thoroughly, so each piece of lettuce and every chickpea is glistening and well-coated. This is the moment where the magic happens—the aroma will have you ready to dig in immediately!

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Dish out the freshly tossed salad onto your favorite plates or a large platter for sharing. The vibrancy and mix of creamy, salty, and tangy elements are unbeatable when served right away. The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that everyone will reach for first.

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan) over the top for a boost of flavor, then add a few cracks of black pepper and a light drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish. If you love fresh herbs, torn basil or chopped parsley are lovely for a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair this legendary salad with warm, crusty bread—garlic knots or a chewy focaccia are always welcome. For a heartier meal, it goes beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or even a classic Margherita pizza. The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is endlessly versatile, making it a winning side or main.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving in individual glasses for an elegant starter, or pile high on a large platter for a casual buffet. For picnics, layer the salad in a mason jar: dressing on the bottom, then chickpeas, cheese, salami, and lettuce up top—just give it a shake when ready to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days as the lettuce can wilt, but the flavors will still be delicious. For crispness, you can chop fresh lettuce and mix it into the leftovers before serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as fresh lettuce and cheese don’t thaw well. The textures change dramatically and you lose that signature crunch that makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe irresistible.

Reheating

Since this dish is meant to be enjoyed cold, there’s no need to reheat. If serving straight from the fridge, allow the salad to sit out for about 10 minutes so the flavors can open up and taste their best.

FAQs

Can I make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! For the freshest result, keep the dressing and chopped salad ingredients separate until just before serving, then toss everything together for maximum crunch.

What’s the best substitute for salami if I want to make this vegetarian?

You can simply leave out the salami or replace it with strips of roasted red pepper, marinated artichokes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian twist packed with big flavors.

Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?

If you’d like, try reducing the olive oil by half and replacing it with a couple tablespoons of Greek yogurt for a creamy, lighter version. The key is to taste and adjust until it’s just right for you!

What other cheeses pair well with this salad?

Pecorino Romano and Parmesan are classics, but crumbled feta, Asiago, or soft provolone will all add their own distinctive savory flair if you’re in the mood to experiment.

Can I add more veggies to the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to toss in finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, or roasted peppers for added color and nutrition. The chopped format means everything plays well together, so get creative with your favorites.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for your next go-to salad, give the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe a try—its big flavors, perfect crunch, and crave-worthy dressing are bound to win you over from the very first bite. Gather your friends, chop up those veggies, and let this legendary salad steal the show at your table.

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