La Scala Chopped Salad
La Scala has long been a go-to dining destination for Hollywood stars (hello, Kim Kardashian) and food lovers alike. Their signature chopped salad, often referred to as the “La Scala Chopped Salad,” was created by the restaurant’s founder, Jean Leon.
Designed to be easy to eat without a knife, the salad quickly gained a loyal following and remains one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
La Scala Salad is beloved for its fresh, crisp texture and bold flavors. It’s satisfying enough to be a meal on its own yet light enough to pair with other dishes. Plus, its origins in Beverly Hills give it a touch of glamour that makes it fun to serve at gatherings.
La Scala Salad Recipe
The classic is known for its simplicity yet sophisticated taste. Here’s what typically goes into the dish:
- Lettuce: Finely chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce is used.
- Garbanzo Beans: These add a hearty texture and a mild nutty flavor.
- Salami: Sliced into thin strips for a salty, meaty bite.
- Cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan brings a sharp, nutty depth.
- Dressing: A zesty mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings.
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While the original is a classic, there are many variations. Some people add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even grilled chicken to make it heartier. The biggest addition I’ve seen is sun dried tomatoes, which isn’t in the original.
Serve With
Here are a few things to serve the La Scala Salad with to bulk up the meal: Olive Oil Bread Dip, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Roasted Vegetables or a Antipasto Platter.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips for success when making this chopped salad recipe:
- Using roasted garlic in place of regular garlic adds a nice depth of flavor.
- This salad can be prepped up to 2 days in advance. Do not add the dressing to the salad until you’re ready to serve.
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La Scala Salad
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Chopped Salad
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5-6 cups)
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4-5 cups)
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 oz Italian salami, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Add all of the dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add the shredded lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and mozzarella cheese to a large bowl and toss to combine. When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat.
- Serve in individual bowls and serve immediately.