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La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 80 reviews

La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant, easy-to-make Italian-inspired salad featuring a medley of crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce, flavorful Italian salami, marinated artichoke hearts, chickpeas, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish, this salad combines savory cheeses and bold dressings for a satisfying and wholesome meal in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Salad

  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (or garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce (finely chopped)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce (finely chopped)
  • 8 ounces marinated artichoke hearts (quartered)
  • 4 ounces Italian salami (julienned)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan cheese until fully combined and emulsified.
  2. Prepare the chickpeas: Place the rinsed and drained chickpeas in a bowl and pour half of the dressing over them. Toss gently and set aside to marinate and absorb flavors.
  3. Combine main salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix the finely chopped iceberg and romaine lettuce, quartered marinated artichoke hearts, julienned Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss well with the remaining half of the dressing to evenly coat the ingredients.
  4. Add chickpeas and toss again: Incorporate the dressed chickpeas along with their dressing into the salad bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until all components are fully combined and evenly dressed.
  5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle some additional grated parmesan cheese on top for garnish and extra flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant textures.

Notes

  • You can substitute Italian salami with pepperoni or olives for a different flavor profile.
  • For a lighter option, reduce the amount of cheese used or omit the salami.
  • The salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours in an airtight container.
  • Additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers can be included to enhance color and nutrition.