As I stood in my kitchen contemplating dinner, I recalled a delightful meal that has graced many Hollywood tables: the famous La Scala chopped salad. This iconic dish, with its crisp romaine, savory salami, and vibrant chickpeas drizzled in a tangy vinaigrette, is not just a feast for the eyes; it embodies the essence of fresh, simple cooking. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is a go-to for any busy weeknight or an unexpected gathering. What’s even more inviting is its ability to be easily customized—feel free to make it vegetarian or swap in your favorite proteins! Are you ready to bring a touch of celebrity flair to your dinner? Let’s dive into this refreshing recipe together!
Why is La Scala Chopped Salad a Must-Try?
Ultimate Freshness: This famous La Scala chopped salad is packed with vibrant, crisp ingredients that make every bite a delightful experience.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, allowing you to whip up a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.
Customizable Goodness: Whether you want to keep it vegetarian or add your favorite protein, this salad easily adapts to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Celebrity Charm: Originating from a renowned Beverly Hills restaurant, this salad brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your table, impressing friends and family alike.
Healthy & Satisfying: With high protein and fiber content from chickpeas and salami, you’ll enjoy a fulfilling meal that won’t weigh you down. You might also like to explore refreshing options like Rice Salad Peanut or Cucumber Salad Refresh to complement your dining experience!
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
- Romaine Lettuce – Provides a crisp and refreshing base. Substitute with mixed greens for a different flavor.
- Genoa Salami – Adds savory depth and protein. Prosciutto or turkey can be used for a lighter option.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Offers creaminess that balances the salad. Try feta for a tangier taste.
- Chickpeas – Provide protein and texture; key component for a healthy, satisfying salad.
- Olive Oil – Acts as the salad dressing base, creating richness. Use avocado oil for a milder flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Adds acidity for balance. Substitute balsamic vinegar for a sweeter note.
- Dijon Mustard – Enhances the vinaigrette with a zesty kick. Yellow mustard can offer a milder flavor.
- Oregano – Complements the other flavors with herby notes. Italian seasoning can be used in a pinch.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the dressing; adjust to taste.
For the Dressing
- Olive Oil – The heart of the vinaigrette, providing richness that enhances all flavors.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Gives the dressing a tangy kick that perfectly complements the hearty salad components.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a delightful zest, making the dressing irresistible.
Enjoy crafting this delightful famous La Scala chopped salad that’s quick, easy, and oh-so customizable!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Step 1: Chop Ingredients
Begin by finely chopping 4 cups of crisp romaine lettuce, a generous amount of Genoa salami, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to ensure a uniform texture. Rinse and drain 1 can of chickpeas, then add them to the mix. Aim for bite-sized pieces that will enhance the overall harmony in your famous La Scala chopped salad.
Step 2: Make Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well emulsified and slightly thickened, giving your dressing the perfect consistency to coat the salad beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the chopped lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas into a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed. This step is essential for the flavors to meld together in your famous La Scala chopped salad, creating a vibrant color palette.
Step 4: Toss Together
Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes. Be sure that each piece is well-coated with the zesty dressing, which imbues the salad with its signature tang. The vibrant colors will come alive as they meld beautifully.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to enhance and the ingredients to soften slightly. This resting period is crucial for your famous La Scala chopped salad, as it helps create a delightful texture. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing dining experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Famous La Scala Chopped Salad ingredients are perfect for meal prep! You can chop the romaine lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and rinse the chickpeas up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and crunch. Additionally, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, and seasoning, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the salad components and dressing, tossing gently for that delightful mix of flavors and textures. This prep ahead strategy saves time and ensures your famous La Scala chopped salad is just as delicious as freshly made!
What to Serve with Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Let’s create a delightful dining experience that perfectly complements the zesty, crisp flavors of your chopped salad!
- Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery delight adds a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s freshness, making each bite a treat.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Savory and tender, they’re excellent for adding protein, turning your salad into a full meal while keeping things light and flavorful.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These vibrant, colorful dishes bring a comforting earthy flavor that rounds out the meal while keeping everything visually stunning.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies, roasted until caramelized, enhance the salad’s freshness with their sweet, smoky notes, creating a delicious contrast.
To cleanse your palate, consider a light lemon sorbet for dessert. Its refreshing tartness will be a beautiful end to your meal, echoing the tangy notes of your famous La Scala chopped salad. A glass of chilled white wine—like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc—will elevate the whole experience, making your dining complete and satisfying.
Storage Tips for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Fridge: Store the prepared salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, keep the dressing separate until serving.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for the salad as it can compromise the texture of the vegetables, particularly the lettuce and chickpeas.
Reheating: If you’ve made the salad ahead and stored it, there’s no need to reheat. Simply toss the salad again and enjoy it cold for the best taste experience.
Make-Ahead: You can chop the salad components and store them in separate containers for quick assembly later. This way, it remains fresh and the flavors vibrant when ready to serve your famous La Scala chopped salad.
Expert Tips for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
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Uniform Chopping: Ensure all ingredients are chopped to a similar size for even distribution of flavors. This guarantees a well-balanced taste in your famous La Scala chopped salad.
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Dressing Timing: For the freshest experience, store salad ingredients and dressing separately until right before serving. Mixing too early can lead to sogginess.
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Resting Matters: Allow the salad to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This step enhances the flavor melding, making each bite more delightful.
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Flavor Customization: Feel free to swap out salami for grilled chicken or shrimp for more protein. Adding or substituting ingredients is what makes your famous La Scala chopped salad uniquely yours.
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Extra Garnishes: Consider topping with freshly cracked pepper, a sprinkle of nuts, or more herbs to elevate the presentation and flavor profile.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this famous La Scala chopped salad to your personal taste, and embark on a flavorful journey!
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Avocado Twist:
Add creamy avocado for an extra layer of richness. Not only does this boost the creaminess, but it also gives you healthy fats to fuel your day. -
Protein Power:
Substitute salami with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed version. This easy swap makes the salad even more filling while maintaining its delicious charm. -
Veggie Delight:
Incorporate diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for added freshness and color. The more, the merrier—each veggie brings its unique crunch and flavor! -
Cheese Switch:
Swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangy punch. The sharpness of feta will perfectly complement the richness of the olive oil dressing. -
Heat It Up:
Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick! This variation adds an exciting edge that those who love heat will appreciate. -
Nutty Crunch:
Include nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and a healthy crunch. They elevate the salad with a subtle earthy flavor that balances the fresh ingredients beautifully. -
Herb Boost:
Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the salad’s freshness and aroma. A handful of chopped herbs will leave your famous La Scala chopped salad refreshing and vibrant!
For other delightful options, try linking this to invigorating recipes like Rice Salad Peanut or Cucumber Salad Refresh for a well-rounded meal.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right romaine lettuce?
When selecting romaine lettuce, look for heads that are firm and have vibrant, crisp leaves. Avoid any with dark spots or wilting, as they indicate aging. I always prefer lettuce with tightly packed leaves, which guarantees maximum freshness for my famous La Scala chopped salad.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store your prepared salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, your salad stays crunchy, and no one likes a soggy leaf!
Can the La Scala salad be frozen?
Freezing the famous La Scala chopped salad is not recommended, as the texture of the vegetables, especially the romaine and chickpeas, will suffer. However, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge. Just mix them together with the dressing before serving.
What can I do if my dressing is too thick?
If your dressing ends up too thick, don’t worry—just whisk in a teaspoon of water or an extra splash of red wine vinegar until you reach your desired consistency. This will ensure a perfectly creamy yet pourable dressing that coats your famous La Scala chopped salad beautifully.
Is this salad suitable for people with allergies?
Absolutely! Just make sure to ask about any specific allergies. For those with gluten or dairy sensitivity, you can easily substitute the salami and mozzarella with gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightful dish!
How can I customize the ingredients?
The famous La Scala chopped salad is exceptionally versatile! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for additional protein. For more crunch, throw in sliced bell peppers or cucumbers. This salad is like a blank canvas—let your creativity shine!
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad: Easy, Fresh, and Flavor-Packed
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by finely chopping 4 cups of crisp romaine lettuce, a generous amount of Genoa salami, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Rinse and drain 1 can of chickpeas, then add them to the mix.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the chopped lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas into a large mixing bowl and gently fold the ingredients together.
- Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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