Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

I recently decided to try my hand at making this iconic Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe at home, and I was honestly blown away by how fresh and addictive it is.

There is something magical about the combination of finely chopped lettuce, salty salami, and that tangy vinaigrette that makes you want to eat the whole bowl.

It’s become a regular request in my house for lunch because it feels fancy but is actually incredibly simple to throw together.

If you’re looking for a salad that isn’t boring and packs a serious flavor punch, this is absolutely the one you need to make.

Ingredients

Here are the specific ingredients you need to recreate this celebrity-favorite salad. Using quality ingredients really shines here since the recipe is so simple.

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil – Use a good quality oil for the base of your dressing; it makes a huge difference in the mouthfeel.
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar – This provides the necessary acid to cut through the richness of the meat and cheese.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here for that sharp, savory kick in the dressing.
• 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard – This acts as an emulsifier to keep your dressing creamy and combined, or use dry mustard for authenticity.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper – Essential seasoning to wake up all the fresh flavors.
• 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese – This salty, hard cheese adds a savory depth to the dressing that parmesan just can’t quite match.
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely shredded – Provides the classic refreshing crunch that is the hallmark of a chopped salad.
• 1 head romaine lettuce, finely shredded – Adds a darker green color and a slightly more robust texture to the mix.
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas – Make sure these are drained and rinsed well; they add great protein and texture.
• 4 ounces Italian salami, thinly sliced – Look for a dry-aged Italian salami rather than standard lunch meat for better flavor.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Freshly shredded mozzarella melts in your mouth better than the pre-bagged stuff coated in anti-caking agents.

Note: This recipe serves approximately 6 people as a side dish or 3-4 as a main course.

Variations

While the classic recipe is perfection, it is also very easy to customize based on your dietary needs or pantry staples.

• Vegetarian: Simply omit the salami for a meat-free version; the chickpeas provide plenty of protein on their own.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the mozzarella and Pecorino, or swap them for your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives and nutritional yeast in the dressing.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or red onions for extra crunch and color.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken strips or even hard-boiled eggs to turn this into an even heartier meal.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Small Jar or Bowl: Essential for whisking or shaking the dressing ingredients until they are fully emulsified.
• Large Mixing Bowl: You need plenty of room to toss all the greens and toppings without them spilling over.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Crucial for getting that signature fine chop on the lettuce and salami.
• Tongs: Makes tossing the salad and serving it much easier and less messy than using spoons.

How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe?

Creating this viral salad is mostly about preparation and chopping. Once you have your ingredients prepped, the assembly is incredibly fast. Follow these steps to get that authentic restaurant-quality result right in your own kitchen.

Make the Dressing

Start by preparing the vinaigrette so the flavors have a moment to meld. In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and the grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Shake the jar vigorously or whisk the ingredients in the bowl until the mixture is fully combined and looks creamy. The mustard helps the oil and vinegar stay mixed, creating a smooth dressing that coats every leaf.

Combine It All

Get your largest salad bowl ready for assembly. Add the finely shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces, the drained and rinsed chickpeas, the thin strips of Italian salami, and the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour your prepared dressing over the top of the salad ingredients. Using your tongs, toss everything together thoroughly until every piece of lettuce and topping is evenly coated with the dressing.

Serve and Enjoy!

This salad is best enjoyed immediately after tossing. Serve it up on chilled plates for an extra refreshing touch. If you aren’t eating it right away, keep the dressing separate from the greens to prevent sogginess. It makes for a fantastic lunch on its own or the perfect side dish for a pasta dinner.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve made this salad a few times now, and I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the final dish.

• The key to the “chopped” texture is uniformity; try to slice your salami into strips that match the width of your shredded lettuce.
• If you want extra crispy lettuce, soak your shredded greens in a bowl of ice water for about 5-10 minutes, then spin them very dry before mixing.
• I find that marinating the chickpeas in the dressing for 10 minutes before tossing them with the lettuce infuses them with way more flavor.
• Don’t skip the step of grating your own cheese if possible; the flavor of fresh Pecorino is much sharper and better than the pre-grated tubs.

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe?

This salad looks beautiful served in a wide, shallow bowl to show off the ingredients. Garnish with a little extra dusting of Pecorino cheese and some cracked black pepper right before bringing it to the table. For a complete meal, serve it alongside crusty garlic bread or a light soup like minestrone. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or a crisp glass of white wine for a light dinner.

Nutritional Information

Here is a quick look at the estimated nutrition for this salad.

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 25g

Make Ahead and Storage

You can easily prep this salad ahead of time for busy weeks.

Make Ahead: Chop all your lettuce, salami, and cheese and store them in a large airtight container. Mix the dressing in a separate jar. Keep them apart until you are ready to eat.

Storage: Once dressed, the salad is best eaten within a few hours as the lettuce will start to wilt. Undressed leftovers stored in an airtight container will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing: This recipe does not freeze well due to the high water content of the lettuce and fresh cheese. It is definitely a dish best enjoyed fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this salad is going to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

• Incredible Texture: The combination of crisp iceberg, crunchy chickpeas, and chewy salami makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Celebrity Status: It’s fun to make a famous dish at home that tastes just as good as the restaurant version without the Beverly Hills price tag.
• Super Quick: With no actual cooking involved, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in just 20 minutes.
• Highly Customizable: It’s a forgiving recipe that allows you to swap proteins and cheeses easily without ruining the core flavor profile.