The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad has achieved legendary status for a reason. Originating from the iconic La Scala Boutique in Beverly Hills, this salad combines simplicity with bold flavors. With its fresh mix of lettuce, chickpeas, mozzarella, and Italian salami, all tossed in a tangy Pecorino Romano dressing, it’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance of crunch, zest, and heartiness.

This salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a main dish for lunch or dinner or as a side salad to complement your favorite protein. Its crisp textures and vibrant flavors make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, from casual meals to sophisticated gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Fresh and Crisp: The combination of iceberg and romaine lettuce provides the perfect crunch.
• Flavor-Packed Dressing: A tangy blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Pecorino Romano elevates every bite.
• Protein-Rich: Chickpeas and salami add a hearty and satisfying touch.
• Customizable: Easily adapt for vegetarian or gluten-free diets.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required!

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Preparation Phase

Essential Tools and Equipment

To prepare this salad perfectly, you’ll need:

• Salad Spinner: Ensures your lettuce is crisp and free of excess moisture.
• Sharp Knife or Mandoline: For shredding lettuce and slicing salami.
• Mixing Bowls: Makes tossing and serving the salad a breeze.
• Whisk or Jar: To mix the dressing ingredients quickly and evenly.

Preparation Tips

• Shredding Lettuce: Slice iceberg and romaine thinly for uniform texture. Use a sharp knife to avoid bruising the leaves.
• Dry Chickpeas Thoroughly: After rinsing, pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
• Dressing Consistency: Whisk until smooth, ensuring the mustard emulsifies the olive oil and vinegar.
• Prep Ahead: Pre-shred lettuce and slice salami in advance to save time when assembling.

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Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or 1 teaspoon dry mustard)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan cheese)

For the Salad:

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded (5-6 cups)
• 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded (4-5 cups)
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined, or close the jar tightly and shake vigorously.

Tip: Let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes before using to allow the flavors to meld.

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2. Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce.
• Layer the drained chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese over the greens.

Variation: For a vegetarian option, substitute salami with roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes.

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3. Toss and Serve

• Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad.
• Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.

Pro Tip: Toss just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.

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Notes

• Shortcuts: Use pre-shredded lettuce to save time.
• Ingredient Quality: Opt for authentic Italian salami and freshly grated Pecorino Romano for the best flavor.
• Make Ahead: Keep the dressing and salad components separate until ready to serve.

Now your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is ready to enjoy! Whether served as a light meal or a complement to your main course, this salad is guaranteed to impress.

Serving Suggestions

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a showstopper on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and appetizers. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• As a Light Main Dish: Serve with warm crusty bread or a simple soup to make it a full meal.
• At Gatherings: Present it in a large, decorative bowl for potlucks or parties.
• Individual Portions: Plate the salad on chilled dishes for an elegant touch at dinner parties.

Pro Tip: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or avocado directly to the salad.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Drying the Lettuce Properly

Moisture on the lettuce leaves can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Use a salad spinner or pat the lettuce dry with paper towels.

2. Overdressing or Underdressing

Adding too much dressing can overpower the ingredients, while too little can leave the salad tasting bland. Gradually add the dressing, tossing as you go, to ensure even coverage.

3. Using Low-Quality Salami

Avoid deli-style lunchmeat and opt for authentic Italian salami for the best flavor and texture.

4. Ignoring Texture

The crispness of the lettuce, creaminess of the mozzarella, and slight chewiness of the salami create the perfect balance. Don’t skip shredding the lettuce finely or using freshly shredded cheese.

5. Dressing Too Early

To keep the salad crisp, toss it with the dressing just before serving.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Pair the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad with these complementary dishes to create a memorable meal:

1. Garlic Bread or Focaccia

The savory and aromatic flavors of garlic bread or Italian focaccia perfectly complement the tangy Pecorino Romano dressing.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Serve alongside a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.

3. Caprese Skewers

These bite-sized appetizers of mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze echo the Italian-inspired theme of the salad.

4. Minestrone Soup

A hearty bowl of minestrone pairs beautifully with the crispness of the salad, making it an ideal option for cooler evenings.

5. Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken

Juicy, citrus-marinated chicken breast adds protein and complements the bright flavors of the salad.

6. Balsamic-Glazed Salmon

The richness of salmon with a tangy glaze creates a balanced meal that highlights the salad’s fresh ingredients.

7. Parmesan Risotto

Creamy and decadent, risotto serves as a satisfying side that contrasts with the crisp texture of the salad.

8. Marinated Olives

A bowl of marinated olives with herbs and citrus adds a simple yet flavorful appetizer to the meal.

Pro Tip: Choose side dishes with contrasting textures to enhance the overall dining experience.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Tips for Success

• Balance the Flavors: Adjust the dressing to your taste by adding more vinegar for tanginess or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for crisp lettuce, high-quality salami, and freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.
• Layer for Meal Prep: If making ahead, layer the ingredients in a container (lettuce on top) and store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the salami for roasted red peppers, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use a plant-based cheese and omit the salami for a vegan twist.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Reduce chickpeas and add extra protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Seasonal Additions: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocados for a fresh seasonal spin.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible.
• Keep it Crisp: Place a paper towel on top of the salad in the container to absorb excess moisture.

Reheating and Refreshing

• Reheating Not Needed: This salad is best served cold.
• Refreshing the Salad: If the lettuce wilts, add a handful of freshly shredded lettuce before serving. For the dressing, shake or whisk it again to restore consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes this salad special?

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad stands out due to its finely shredded lettuce, protein-packed chickpeas, and tangy Pecorino Romano dressing, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

2. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the mozzarella and Pecorino Romano with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until serving.

4. What are the best substitutes for Pecorino Romano?

Parmesan cheese or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes with a similar tangy and nutty flavor.

5. How can I make this salad more filling?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or avocado to increase the protein and healthy fats, making it a more satisfying meal.

6. Is this salad keto-friendly?

With some modifications, yes! Reduce the chickpeas and increase the mozzarella, salami, or additional protein to lower the carb count.

7. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.

8. What’s the best way to shred lettuce?

Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the lettuce or a mandoline for uniformity. A food processor with a shredding attachment can also work for larger quantities.

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Conclusion

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light main dish or serving it as a side, this salad’s blend of crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and savory toppings will leave a lasting impression.

With its versatility and ease of preparation, this salad is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Don’t wait—try it today and bring a taste of Italian-inspired sophistication to your table!

For more recipes and tips, check out related salad recipes and explore our Italian cuisine collection.