If you are craving a salad that bursts with bold flavors, contrasting textures, and satisfying heartiness, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant salad combines crisp iceberg and romaine lettuces with the savory goodness of Italian salami and the creaminess of mozzarella, all beautifully tied together by a zesty homemade dressing featuring garlic, Dijon mustard, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Whether you want a refreshing lunch or a show-stopping side dish for dinner, this salad is as simple to assemble as it is delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe truly sing. Each component plays a crucial role—from the crunchy lettuces that form your base to the flavorful punch of salami and the rich tanginess of the dressing. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in:
- Extra virgin olive oil, â…“ cup: The backbone of the dressing, lending a smooth, fruity richness.
- Red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons: Adds a sharp acidity that balances the richness perfectly.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Provides a subtle but pungent kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Dijon mustard, 3 teaspoons: Gives the dressing a creamy texture and a hint of spice; dry mustard is a fine substitute for a more earthy note.
- Kosher salt and pepper, ½ teaspoon each: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese, â…“ cup: For a salty, nutty finish; parmesan can be used if preferred.
- Shredded iceberg lettuce, 1 head (5-6 cups): Crunchy and cool, it forms the perfect refreshing base.
- Shredded romaine lettuce, 1 head (4-5 cups): Adds a slightly bitter and crisp contrast to the iceberg.
- Canned chickpeas, 1 (15-ounce) can: Boosts the salad with a creamy texture and protein.
- Italian salami, ¼ lb (4 ounces) thinly sliced: Brings a smoky, savory depth that’s completely addictive.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 cups: Melts lightly on your tongue with every bite, enriching the salad.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Whisk everything thoroughly in a small bowl or place all ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake vigorously. This dressing is the magic that transforms the salad, blending tangy, pungent, and savory notes effortlessly.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, toss together the shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces, rinsed and drained chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients. Use tongs or salad spoons to toss everything together so each bite is bursting with flavor. The beauty of this step is how simple it is to bring all the vibrant, textured ingredients into harmony.
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop, consider topping the salad with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a few shavings of additional Pecorino Romano cheese. These garnishes add a lovely aroma and an extra burst of flavor that will make anyone at your table eager to dig in.
Side Dishes
This chopped salad pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or a warm, herby grilled chicken breast. For a cozy meal, serve alongside creamy risotto or a simple pasta aglio e olio. The salad’s bright, tart dressing is the perfect foil for richer, heartier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, layer the ingredients in a large glass trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful colors before tossing. Alternatively, serve the salad in individual mason jars for a charming, portable lunch option. The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe also shines as a picnic staple when packed alongside antipasti.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the dressing, the lettuce may soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy leftovers within 1-2 days for optimal crunch and freshness.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well, mainly due to the fresh lettuces and dairy. For best results, avoid freezing and prepare fresh when possible.
Reheating
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to incorporate warm elements, simply heat side dishes separately and serve the salad fresh for that ideal crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for this salad?
Absolutely! While iceberg and romaine offer the perfect crunch and freshness, you can easily substitute with other crisp lettuces like butter lettuce or green leaf if preferred.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the Italian salami and add extra chickpeas or roasted vegetables for added protein and flavor.
What is the best way to shred the lettuce?
Using a sharp chef’s knife or kitchen scissors to finely chop the lettuce ensures the pieces are small enough to mix well and evenly coat with dressing, enriching every bite.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely. The dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk again before tossing with the salad.
How long does the salad last once tossed with dressing?
Once dressed, enjoy within a few hours for the freshest texture. Leftovers can be stored but the lettuce may become softer over time.
Final Thoughts
Making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is like inviting a burst of Italian charm and flavor to your dining table, and it’s so easy to pull together. Whether you want a refreshing lunch or a lively side dish with dinner, this salad offers a fantastic balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation—you’ll be sharing this gem with friends before you know it!
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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines two types of crisp lettuce, savory Italian salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and mustard. This refreshing chopped salad is perfect as a light lunch or a hearty side, offering a delightful mix of textures and balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- â…“ 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
- â…“ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated Parmesan cheese
Salad
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5–6 cups)
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4–5 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (or dry mustard), kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or close the jar lid tightly and shake until the dressing is well-emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded romaine lettuce, drained and rinsed chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated and mixed.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian salami or replace it with marinated tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the dressing.
- Adjust the amount of mustard in the dressing to taste, starting with less if preferred milder flavor.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
- For additional texture and flavor, consider adding chopped red onions or roasted red peppers.
