Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Classic

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Classic

If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful, and satisfying salads, you’ve probably heard of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad. This iconic dish, originating from the legendary La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, has become a staple for salad lovers everywhere. The best part? You can easily recreate this restaurant-quality salad at home! In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, share tips for perfecting it, and explore why this recipe has stood the test of time.

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Why the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a Must-Try

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a culinary experience. With its perfect balance of crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a main course, this recipe delivers. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences.

What makes this salad truly special is its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a homemade dressing, you can whip up a dish that’s both healthy and indulgent. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad at home.

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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests. Let’s get started!

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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 black pepper
• ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or grated 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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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Whisk everything together until well combined, or close the jar and shake vigorously. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded romaine lettuce, chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss gently to combine.
3. Add the Dressing:
   Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad immediately as a main dish or side salad. If you’re prepping ahead, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.
5. Storage Tips:
   Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. For best results, keep the dressing and salad components separate until ready to serve.

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The History and Legacy of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a piece of culinary history. Originating from the iconic La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, this salad has been a favorite among celebrities, food enthusiasts, and everyday diners for decades. La Scala, established in the 1950s, quickly became a hotspot for Hollywood’s elite, known for its Italian-inspired cuisine and timeless dishes. Among its many offerings, the chopped salad stood out as a signature item, earning a reputation for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying texture.

What makes this salad so special is its simplicity. Unlike many restaurant dishes that rely on complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is made with everyday components that come together to create something extraordinary. The combination of crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce, savory Italian salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy dressing is a testament to the idea that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Over the years, the salad has become a symbol of La Scala’s commitment to quality and flavor, inspiring countless home cooks to recreate it in their own kitchens.

The enduring popularity of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad speaks to its universal appeal. Whether you’re enjoying it at the restaurant or making it at home, this salad offers a taste of Hollywood glamour and Italian tradition. It’s a dish that transcends trends, remaining a beloved classic in a world of ever-changing food fads. By learning how to make this salad, you’re not just preparing a meal—you’re connecting with a rich culinary legacy that continues to delight diners around the world.

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 The Health Benefits of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

While the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is undeniably delicious, it’s also a nutritious choice that can easily fit into a balanced diet. Packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, this salad offers a range of health benefits that make it a smart option for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

The base of the salad is a mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce, both of which are low in calories but high in essential nutrients. Iceberg lettuce provides a satisfying crunch and is a good source of vitamin K, which supports bone health, while romaine lettuce is rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health. Together, these greens form a nutrient-dense foundation that’s both refreshing and filling.

The addition of chickpeas adds a boost of plant-based protein and fiber, making the salad more satisfying and helping to keep you full for longer. Chickpeas are also a great source of iron, magnesium, and folate, making them a valuable addition to any diet. The Italian salami and mozzarella cheese contribute protein and healthy fats, which are essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health. Finally, the homemade dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic, is not only flavorful but also packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

By incorporating the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad into your meal rotation, you’re choosing a dish that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. It’s a perfect example of how healthy eating can be both enjoyable and delicious.

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Tips for Customizing the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

One of the best things about the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is its versatility. While the classic recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, there are countless ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to add more vegetables, switch up the protein, or make it vegetarian-friendly, this salad is incredibly adaptable.

For a veggie-packed version, consider adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado. These additions not only enhance the flavor and texture of the salad but also boost its nutritional value. If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, try adding a handful of sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra kick.

If you’re looking to change up the protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak are excellent alternatives to salami. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, you can replace the salami with marinated tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can experiment with other cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or even a dairy-free alternative.

The dressing is another area where you can get creative. While the classic combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard is delicious, you can try using balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or even a creamy Caesar-style dressing for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad a recipe you can return to again and again without ever getting bored.

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Why This Salad is a Fan Favorite

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad has earned its reputation for good reason. Here’s why it’s so beloved:

1. Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tangy dressing, salty salami, creamy cheese, and crisp lettuce creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
2. Quick and Easy: With no cooking required, this salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this salad is incredibly versatile. You can also tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
4. Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables, this salad is both nutritious and filling.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the salami or replace it with a vegetarian alternative like marinated tofu or roasted chickpeas.

2. What can I use instead of Pecorino Romano cheese?
If you don’t have Pecorino Romano, grated Parmesan cheese is a great substitute. Both cheeses add a salty, nutty flavor to the dressing.

3. How long does the dressing last?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake or stir before using.

4. Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak are excellent additions to turn this salad into a hearty main course.

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Final Thoughts

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a timeless recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. With its fresh ingredients, zesty dressing, and satisfying flavors, it’s no wonder this salad has become a favorite among food lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.