Name: Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped; 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped; 1/4 lb salami, julienned; 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded or julienned; 1/4 cup garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup olive oil

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Why You’ll Love Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

The finely chopped lettuce means every forkful delivers a perfect mix of crunchy greens, creamy cheese, and bold salami flavor.
The dressing is simple but powerful: olive oil, red wine vinegar (or white), mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper—lettuce stays fresh and un‑soggy.
It’s versatile: serve it as a side, a light lunch, or even a main by adding grilled chicken or turkey.
Low‑cook, ready in about 10 minutes, yet it feels elegant and restaurant‑worthy.
The recipe has celebrity buzz and gives you a taste of Hollywood dining at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Finely chopped romaine lettuce (2 heads)
1 cup finely chopped Genoa salami
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish

Directions

Finely chop the romaine lettuce, salami, and mozzarella so that each piece is small and uniform.
Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly.
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled or slightly cool.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Total time: about 10 minutes

Variations

Swap salami for roasted chicken, turkey, or even tuna to make a lighter or protein‑rich version.
Skip or replace the mozzarella with vegan cheese to make a dairy‑free version.
Add extras such as sliced olives, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, fresh basil, or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair.
Use a mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce for extra crunch and variation in texture.
Dressing tweak: substitute some lemon juice for vinegar, or use balsamic for a richer twist.

Storage/Reheating

For best texture, store the dressing separately and add just before serving.
Undressed salad: keep in an airtight container lined with a paper towel; it stays crisp for 2–3 days in the fridge.
Dressed salad: still good the next day but will soften a bit — perfect for lunch bowls or wraps.
If the dressing has been refrigerated and the oil solidifies, allow it to rest at room temperature for 10–30 minutes, then shake or whisk before using.

FAQs

1. What exactly is the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

It’s a chopped salad originally created at the La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills in the 1950s, featuring romaine lettuce, Genoa salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, and a tangy vinaigrette.

2. Why is it so popular?

Its appeal lies in its simplicity and elegance. The chopped style makes it easy to eat, while the bold flavors and creamy textures give it a gourmet feel, making it a celebrity favorite.

3. Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep the chopped ingredients in advance and store the dressing separately. Toss them together just before serving for the freshest results.

4. Is this salad vegetarian?

Not in its traditional form, but you can make it vegetarian by omitting the salami or replacing it with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

5. Can it be made gluten-free?

Yes, the core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just confirm that any packaged ingredients like mustard or salami are certified gluten-free if needed.

6. What kind of lettuce is best?

Romaine is standard, but a blend of romaine and iceberg provides extra crunch. Chop it finely for the best texture and flavor distribution.

7. What’s the best way to chop the ingredients?

Use a sharp knife to create uniform, bite-size pieces. The fine chop helps every forkful contain a balanced mix of ingredients.

8. What kind of dressing is used?

A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Parmesan is optional for an added flavor kick.

9. How long does the salad stay good after dressing?

It’s best eaten within a few hours once dressed. If stored overnight, it will soften but still tastes great, especially in wraps or grain bowls.

10. What can I serve this salad with?

It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or bread. You can also enjoy it on its own for a light but satisfying lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings classic Italian-American flavors to your table. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch or entertaining guests, this salad is a crisp and satisfying option that never goes out of style. Try it once, and it may just become your new favorite.