Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
If you’re ready to channel the buzzy, LA power-lunch vibes right in your own kitchen, this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is about to become a delicious new favorite! Bursting with crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy provolone, nutty Parmesan, and tender chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette, this Italian-American classic brings color, crunch, and a playful elegance to any table. Whether you’re hosting a girls’ night, quick-lunching with the family, or dreaming up a breezy dinner that feels straight out of Beverly Hills, you’ll love how effortless yet absolutely craveable this salad truly is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret power of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient doesn’t just add flavor but also blends seamlessly to create layers of crispness, saltiness, creaminess, and a punchy tang that keeps every bite exciting.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, this forms the sturdy base of your salad with a satisfying crunch.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Light and extra crunchy, iceberg helps every mouthful stay crisp and cool.
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Creamy, nutty, and filling, chickpeas soak up the dressing and add plant-powered protein.
- Salami: Savory and slightly spicy, salami adds rich flavor and rustic charm—choose your favorite for a personalized twist.
- Provolone Cheese: Buttery and mild, provolone either chopped or shredded, melts into the salad’s heart.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this sharp, salty cheese lends irresistible depth and umami.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Fruity olive oil sets the foundation for a silky, luscious vinaigrette.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Bright and tangy, this gives your salad its signature zing and balance.
- Dijon Mustard: A dab amps up the vinaigrette with gentle heat and emulsion power.
- Dried Oregano: Herby and aromatic, it infuses the dressing with Mediterranean warmth.
- Salt: A little bit to lift and tie everything together—taste as you go!
- Black Pepper: For a final kick that keeps the flavors lively and bold.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Zesty Vinaigrette
Grab a small bowl or a mason jar and whisk together your olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. This simple dressing will become your go-to for punchy, bright salads!
Step 2: Chop the Lettuce and Prep the Goodies
Finely chop your romaine and iceberg lettuces to bite-size bits—this chopped approach really sets the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe apart. Prep the rest: drain and rinse chickpeas, dice the salami and provolone cheese, and freshly grate your Parmesan. The secret is making everything about the same size for maximum fork happiness!
Step 3: Toss and Tumble
In a big salad bowl, combine all the veggies, meats, and cheeses. Drizzle your homemade vinaigrette over the top, then toss like you mean it so every single bite gets glossy and flavorful. Take a moment to appreciate how the colors mingle and the textures bounce off each other.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Serve your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe immediately for optimal crunch and freshness. The combination of cool greens, creamy cheese, and zingy dressing is best enjoyed right away when everything is bright and crisp!
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your salad with a flurry of extra grated Parmesan, a crack of fresh black pepper, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little spice. A few torn basil leaves or paper-thin slices of mild red onion can add an aromatic touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe shines as a standalone lunch or dinner, but it pairs fabulously with simple sides like warm, crusty sourdough, a bowl of minestrone soup, or even classic grilled chicken. For a summery spread, offer marinated olives or roasted vegetables alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Ready to impress? Try serving this salad in individual clear glasses or layered salads for parties. You can also wrap portions in sturdy lettuce leaves for a portable picnic snack. For a swanky dinner, plate it in chilled bowls and add edible flowers for a splash of luxury.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe, pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The salad will keep for up to a day, though the greens may soften as they absorb the dressing. If you’re planning for leftovers, store salad and dressing separately to keep the texture lively.
Freezing
This salad truly isn’t suitable for freezing. The fresh lettuces, cheeses, and chickpeas won’t fare well once thawed, so enjoy your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe as fresh as possible for the best results!
Reheating
No reheating is needed (or recommended) for this crisp salad. Simply toss and serve straight from the fridge. If the ingredients have wilted a bit, a touch of fresh dressing and a sprinkle of cheese on top can perk everything right up.
FAQs
Can I make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the salami and add more chickpeas, or toss in some roasted red peppers for color and flavor. It’s every bit as delicious and hearty without the meat, proving great salads are always flexible.
What kind of salami works best?
Any high-quality, thinly sliced Italian salami will work well in the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. Genoa or soppressata bring rich flavor, but you can experiment or even use turkey salami for a lighter bite!
Will the salad dressing keep in the fridge?
Yes! The simple vinaigrette keeps nicely in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake it up again before drizzling to re-emulsify the oil and vinegar.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly. Chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even artichoke hearts are all welcome additions to the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. Keep them chopped small for that classic texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It sure is, as long as all your ingredients (especially the salami and cheese) are confirmed gluten-free. Always check labels to be safe.
Final Thoughts
You simply can’t go wrong with a crowd-pleaser like the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. It’s the sort of dish that brings everyone together, brightens any table, and makes you crave just one more forkful. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to salad for every special moment—or even just a Tuesday lunch at home!
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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and iconic chopped salad recipe inspired by the famous La Scala restaurant. This Italian-American salad features a mix of romaine and iceberg lettuce, chickpeas, salami, provolone, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a flavorful red wine vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce:
1 head, finely chopped
Iceberg Lettuce:
1/2 head, finely chopped
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans):
1/2 cup, cooked, drained, and rinsed
Salami:
1/2 cup, finely chopped
Provolone Cheese:
1/2 cup, finely chopped or shredded
Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup, grated
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
1/4 cup
Red Wine Vinegar:
2 tablespoons
Dijon Mustard:
1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine, iceberg lettuce, chickpeas, salami, provolone, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add extra chickpeas or roasted red peppers.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepped ahead and dressed just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 salad
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
