Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with fresh, crunchy textures
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep and entertaining
- Delicious balance of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors
- Can be served as a side dish or main course
- Customizable with additional vegetables and proteins
- Restaurant-quality salad made at home
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Italian salami, finely julienned
For the Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the iceberg and romaine lettuce.
- Finely chop the lettuce into small, bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chickpeas, shredded mozzarella, and julienned salami.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Whisk or shake until the dressing is fully combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Turkey Chopped Salad: Replace the salami with diced turkey breast.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the salami and add extra chickpeas or diced vegetables.
- Spicy Chopped Salad: Add pepperoncini or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Avocado Addition: Mix in diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken or tuna.
- Extra Cheese Variation: Include provolone or extra mozzarella.
- Mediterranean Style: Add cucumbers, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover salad and dressing separately whenever possible.
The chopped salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The dressing can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
If already dressed, the salad is best consumed within 24 hours to maintain its crisp texture.
This salad is served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Why is the La Scala Chopped Salad so popular?
Its popularity comes from the finely chopped ingredients, balanced flavors, and signature dressing that coats every bite evenly.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the ingredients ahead and store the dressing separately until serving.
What type of lettuce works best?
A combination of iceberg and romaine provides the classic crunch and texture.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, provolone, fontina, or additional mozzarella can be substituted.
Is the original recipe made with chickpeas?
Yes, chickpeas are one of the signature ingredients in the classic version.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the salami and add more vegetables or legumes.
What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, turkey, tuna, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs work well.
Why should the ingredients be finely chopped?
Finely chopping the ingredients ensures every bite contains a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
Can I use bottled dressing?
You can, but the homemade dressing provides the authentic flavor associated with the salad.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, pasta dishes, soups, and Italian-inspired meals.
Conclusion
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a timeless favorite that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With its crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, hearty chickpeas, and tangy dressing, every bite is perfectly balanced and satisfying. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant classic or looking for a fresh new salad to add to your rotation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Print
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a restaurant-inspired favorite featuring crisp chopped lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, chickpeas, and a tangy Italian-style dressing. This refreshing and satisfying salad is perfect as a light meal or flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Toss
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Italian salami, finely julienned
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the iceberg and romaine lettuce.
- Finely chop the lettuce into small bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chickpeas, shredded mozzarella, and julienned salami.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Whisk or shake until the dressing is fully combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add extra chickpeas or vegetables.
- Add grilled chicken, turkey, tuna, or shrimp for extra protein.
- Store the dressing separately if making ahead.
- Add diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess.
- Use provolone or fontina cheese as an alternative to mozzarella.
- Best enjoyed within 24 hours if already dressed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
