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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 52 reviews

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired salad combining crisp iceberg and romaine lettuces with protein-rich chickpeas, savory Italian salami, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy, garlicky dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this chopped salad serves as a delicious, fresh appetizer or light meal with a perfect balance of textures and bold Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

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
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or grated Parmesan cheese)

Salad

  • 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5-6 cups)
  • 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4-5 cups)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Whisk thoroughly or shake with the lid on until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
  2. Prepare the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces, rinsed chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients.
  3. Toss to combine: Toss all components gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
  4. Storage: Enjoy the La Scala Chopped Salad right away for optimal crunch and flavor. If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep any unused dressing separate and refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the dressing.
  • Ensure the lettuces are well-shredded and drained of excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
  • Thinly slice the Italian salami to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit salami and consider adding extra chickpeas or another protein.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be prepped in advance by keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve.