Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Name: Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-485106H9M28S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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 and freshly ground black pepper; ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan cheese); 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; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Published: April 26, 2025

by Lizzy

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This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients that brings flavor and texture to any table. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at gatherings, this salad features crisp lettuce, hearty chickpeas, creamy mozzarella, and savory Italian salami. Tossed in a zesty Pecorino Romano dressing, it’s a delightful dish that is both refreshing and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, this salad offers a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve as a side with grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with many dishes!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dressing in advance and assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Crowd-Pleaser: The blend of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among family and friends at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk or jar with lid
Knife
Cutting board
Salad serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients easily without making a mess.
Whisk or jar with lid: Essential for mixing the dressing thoroughly; using a jar lets you shake it up quickly.
Knife: A sharp knife helps you slice the salami and chop any additional vegetables efficiently.

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 and 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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar:
1. Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined. If using a jar, close it tightly and shake well.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded romaine lettuce, drained and rinsed chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
2. Pour the prepared dressing over the top.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with dressing.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad!

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this salad can shine as the star of your meal.

As a Main Course

Perfectly balanced: This salad can stand alone as a satisfying meal due to its protein-rich ingredients.
Customize it: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and flavor.

As a Side Dish

Pair with proteins: Serve alongside grilled steaks, chicken, or fish for a delightful contrast.
Great for gatherings: It complements any barbecue or picnic spread beautifully.

In Meal Prep Containers

Convenient lunches: Pack individual portions in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Freshness on-the-go: Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for optimal freshness.

With Crusty Bread

Accompany with bread: Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread for a hearty experience.
Dip in dressing: Use the bread to soak up the tangy dressing for added flavor.

How to Perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

To elevate your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and presentation.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheeses make all the difference in taste.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can blend the flavors beautifully.
Experiment with add-ins: Try adding olives, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra color and taste.
Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
Presentation matters: Serve in a large bowl or individual plates to make it visually appealing.
Garnish creatively: A sprinkle of additional cheese or herbs on top adds a finishing touch.

Best Side Dishes for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to complement your meal.

Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers offer a refreshing bite.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection enhance the meal’s overall flavor profile.
Pasta Primavera: A light vegetable pasta dish brings more Italian flair and color to your table.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an elegant touch and are great finger food.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables makes an inviting appetizer.
Roasted Potatoes: Herbed roasted potatoes provide heartiness without overshadowing the salad’s freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using the Wrong Ingredients: Ensure you use authentic Italian salami rather than deli-style lunchmeat for the best flavor.
Skipping the Dressing: The dressing is essential to tie all the flavors together. Don’t skip it; instead, make it fresh for maximum taste.
Improper Storage: If you mix the dressing with the salad too early, it can wilt. Store them separately until ready to serve.
Not Chopping Evenly: Chop your ingredients uniformly to ensure a balanced bite. Uneven pieces can result in an inconsistent texture.
Forgetting About Seasoning: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. You may need more salt or pepper based on your preference.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh ingredients.
If necessary, freeze only the cooked chickpeas and dressing separately.

Reheating Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm briefly, but avoid overheating which will wilt greens.
Microwave: Use short bursts on low power to warm, avoiding cooking the greens.
Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan without direct heat on salad ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Famous La Scala Chopped Salad unique?

The combination of fresh lettuce, chickpeas, mozzarella, and Italian salami creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Can I customize my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or substitute proteins such as grilled chicken or turkey.

How should I serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

This salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish accompanying grilled meats or fish. It’s perfect for gatherings!

Is Famous La Scala Chopped Salad healthy?

Yes! It provides a balance of protein from chickpeas and mozzarella along with vitamins from fresh greens, making it a nutritious option.

Final Thoughts

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Its simple ingredients allow you to customize it while maintaining its iconic taste. Give this recipe a try; you’ll discover just how delightful this salad can be!

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