Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Name: Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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)

Published: May 10, 2025

by Emilia

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This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients for a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you need a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this salad fits the bill. Its vibrant mix of crispy lettuce, hearty chickpeas, and savory salami topped with a tangy dressing makes it both satisfying and refreshing.

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Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tools and Preparation
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
Ingredients
For the Dressing
For the Salad
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Step 3: Toss and Serve
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
As a Main Course
As a Side Dish
For Meal Prep
At Potlucks or Gatherings
How to Perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Best Side Dishes for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Freezing Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Reheating Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad special?
Can I customize my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
How long does it take to make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Final Thoughts
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Fresh Ingredients: The combination of crisp lettuce and flavorful toppings ensures maximum freshness in every serving.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish; it pairs perfectly with grilled meats or pasta.
Nutritious Option: Packed with protein from chickpeas and mozzarella, this salad is both filling and healthy.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dressing separately for easy meal prep and enjoy it whenever you like.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, gather the essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar for dressing
Whisk or jar lid for shaking
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily mix all ingredients without spilling.
Small bowl or jar: Ideal for combining the dressing; using a jar makes it easy to shake and blend flavors.
Whisk or jar lid: Necessary for ensuring your dressing is well combined; whisking creates an emulsion that enhances texture.

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

How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine:
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Minced garlic
Dijon mustard
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Whisk the ingredients together or close the jar tightly and shake well until fully combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, add:
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Shredded romaine lettuce
Drained chickpeas
Thinly sliced Italian salami
Shredded mozzarella cheese.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

With this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad recipe, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Course

Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
Pair with crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious dressing.

As a Side Dish

Complement your favorite Italian dishes like lasagna or pasta.
Serve alongside grilled meats for a refreshing contrast.

For Meal Prep

Pack individual portions in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.

At Potlucks or Gatherings

Present in a large bowl for guests to help themselves.
Garnish with extra Pecorino Romano cheese for an eye-catching touch.

How to Perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Creating the perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad involves paying attention to details. Here are some tips to elevate your salad game.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce and high-quality cheeses make all the difference in flavor.
Chill Your Salad Bowl: A cold bowl keeps your salad crisp and refreshing.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it all; you may want more salt or vinegar based on preference.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for added crunch and flavor.
Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 10–15 minutes after tossing with dressing for flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement this vibrant dish well.

Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, perfect for dipping into leftover dressing.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a fresh bite.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds an Italian flair.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring warmth to your table.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make great finger foods.
Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed vegetables mixed with pasta create a colorful addition.
Antipasto Platter: Cured meats, olives, and cheeses provide variety and richness alongside the salad.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit mix offers a sweet contrast that refreshes the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is easy, but there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind.

Using the wrong salami: Make sure to use Italian salami instead of deli-style lunchmeat for authentic flavor.
Skipping the dressing: The dressing is essential for tying together the salad’s flavors. Don’t skip or skimp on it!
Not tossing well: If you don’t toss the salad thoroughly, some ingredients may be dry. Ensure every bite is coated with delicious dressing.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can soggy your salad. Start with less and add more as needed.
Using pre-shredded lettuce: While convenient, pre-shredded lettuce can be less fresh. If possible, shred your own for better texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Store leftover Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in an airtight container.
item It will stay fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
item Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain crispness.

Freezing Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

item Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of ingredients like lettuce and cheese.
item If you must freeze, consider only freezing the dressing separately.

Reheating Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm gently for about 5-10 minutes. Avoid overheating.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 20 seconds if necessary, but be cautious not to wilt the greens.
Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally just until slightly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.

What makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad special?

The combination of fresh ingredients like iceberg and romaine lettuce, chickpeas, and Italian salami creates a unique flavor profile that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Can I customize my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as cucumbers or bell peppers. You can also substitute proteins like grilled chicken or tofu for variety.

How long does it take to make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes since no cooking is required. It’s perfect for a quick meal!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare most components ahead of time. Just store the dressing separately and combine everything right before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. With its fresh ingredients and tangy dressing, you can customize it to suit your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy a healthy meal that’s sure to impress!

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