Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You are about to discover why the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad has captivated so many palates for decades. This isn’t just another salad; it is a culinary experience. First, its incredible balance of flavors truly stands out.

You get crisp freshness, savory notes, and a tangy kick all in one bite. Then, consider the texture. Every component in this classic chopped salad is cut uniformly, ensuring a delightful mix of crunch and chew in every forkful.

This particular preparation makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad incredibly satisfying. Furthermore, this recipe is remarkably versatile. You can easily adapt it to your preferences, making it perfect for various dietary needs or simply using what you have on hand.

It’s a fantastic main course for a light lunch or dinner, and it performs beautifully as an impressive side dish for larger gatherings. Preparing your own Famous La Scala Chopped Salad at home brings the elegance of a high-end restaurant right to your kitchen. People consistently rave about this iconic chopped salad.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for entertaining. You’ll quickly understand why this particular La Scala Salad remains so celebrated. The fresh ingredients contribute to a truly vibrant dish. This famous chopped salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is everything you need to recreate the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad at home. Sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients significantly enhances the flavor of this classic chopped salad.

For the Salad:
* 1 large head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
* 1 large head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
* 8 ounces halal chicken or beef salami, finely diced
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk preferred)
* ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
* ½ cup finely chopped red onion

For the Dressing:
* ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
* ¼ cup red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
* ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste

Substitutions & Variations

Making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad your own is part of the fun. This recipe easily adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. Do not hesitate to experiment with these options to personalize your iconic chopped salad.

Greens:
* Instead of just iceberg and romaine, try adding a cup of finely chopped radicchio for a slightly bitter bite and vibrant color. Baby spinach or arugula also work well for a milder flavor.
* For an even more substantial Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, include some finely shredded green cabbage.

Proteins:
* If you prefer a different protein, add 1 cup of grilled chicken breast, finely diced. Marinated and grilled beef or lamb can also provide a wonderful flavor profile to this famous chopped salad.
* For a vegetarian option, increase the chickpeas to 2 cans or add 1 cup of cooked lentils. Roasted firm tofu or tempeh, finely diced, also makes an excellent addition to the La Scala Salad.

Cheeses:
* You can swap the mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese, both finely shredded.
* If Pecorino Romano is unavailable, use Parmesan cheese for a slightly milder, nutty flavor in your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad. A blend of cheeses also works beautifully.

Vegetables & Add-ins:
* Consider adding ½ cup of finely chopped cucumber for extra freshness.
* Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered, introduce a burst of sweetness.
* Finely diced bell peppers (red or yellow) can add color and a mild crunch.

* For a touch of spice, include a small amount of finely minced jalapeño.
* Artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, are another delicious addition to this iconic chopped salad.
* Avocado, diced just before serving, adds creaminess and healthy fats.

Dressing Adjustments:
* For a zippier dressing, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
* Substitute a different vinegar, like white wine vinegar, for a slightly milder acidity.
* Fresh herbs, such as chopped fresh parsley or basil, can replace or complement the dried oregano in the dressing, adding a brighter flavor to your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.

* A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing offers a subtle warmth.
* If you like a sweeter dressing, add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or honey, about ½ teaspoon, to balance the acidity.

These variations ensure that your homemade Famous La Scala Chopped Salad always feels fresh and exciting, perfectly tailored to your taste.

Making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad your own is part of the fun. To elevate your taste experience further, consider pairing it with some delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies for a perfect balance of flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is straightforward, but precision in chopping makes all the difference. Follow these steps for a perfect La Scala Salad every time.

1. Prepare the Dressing First: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly emulsified and blended.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully for your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.

2. Chop the Lettuce: Take your iceberg and romaine lettuces. Wash them thoroughly and dry them completely.

This step prevents a watery salad. Stack several leaves and finely chop them into small, uniform pieces, about ¼-inch to ½-inch squares. Place the chopped lettuce in a very large mixing bowl.

Uniformity is key for the texture of this famous chopped salad.
3. Prepare Other Salad Components: Drain and rinse the chickpeas well.

Shake off excess water. Add them to the bowl with the lettuce. Next, finely dice your halal chicken or beef salami into small pieces, matching the size of your lettuce.

Add the diced salami to the bowl.
4. Add Cheeses and Onion: Shred the mozzarella cheese and grate the Pecorino Romano cheese.

Add both cheeses to the salad bowl. Finely chop the red onion; aim for very small pieces so the flavor distributes evenly without overpowering the La Scala Salad. Add the chopped red onion to the bowl.

5. Combine and Dress: Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the chopped ingredients in the large bowl. Using two large salad spoons or tongs, gently toss all the ingredients together.

Ensure every piece of lettuce and every ingredient gets coated with the dressing. Add more dressing, a little at a time, until the salad is lightly but thoroughly dressed. You want the salad moist, not swimming in dressing.

This careful dressing ensures your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is perfectly balanced.
6. Serve Immediately: The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad tastes best when served fresh.

Transfer the dressed salad to individual plates or a large serving platter. Garnish with a little extra grated Pecorino Romano, if desired. Enjoy this iconic chopped salad right away.

Following these detailed steps guarantees a spectacular Famous La Scala Chopped Salad experience, mirroring the original’s perfection.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad involves a few key techniques. Incorporate these tips to elevate your homemade La Scala Salad to restaurant-quality standards.

* The Chop is Crucial: The defining characteristic of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is the uniform, fine chop of all ingredients. Use a sharp chef’s knife and take your time. Aim for pieces roughly the same size as the chickpeas.

This ensures every forkful contains a perfect medley of flavors and textures, making the La Scala Salad truly exceptional.
* Dry Your Greens Thoroughly: Wet lettuce dilutes the dressing and makes the salad soggy. After washing, use a salad spinner or pat the lettuce dry with paper towels until absolutely no moisture remains.

This step is non-negotiable for a crisp Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.
* Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this famous chopped salad has relatively few ingredients, the quality of each component really shines. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh cheeses, and the best halal chicken or beef salami you can find.

Freshly ground pepper also makes a noticeable difference in the dressing.
* Chill the Salad Bowl: Before assembling, place your large mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. A chilled bowl helps keep the greens crisp as you work and when serving the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.

* Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, always add the dressing right before you plan to serve. If preparing for a party, keep the dressing separate and toss the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in front of your guests for maximum freshness.
* Don’t Overdress: Start with less dressing than you think you need.

You can always add more, but you cannot take it away. The goal is to lightly coat all ingredients, not drown them. The balance of the dressing makes this La Scala Salad so good.

* Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preference. A perfectly seasoned dressing enhances the entire Famous La Scala Chopped Salad experience.

* Emulsify the Dressing: If using a jar, shake the dressing vigorously right before pouring it onto the salad. This ensures the oil and vinegar are perfectly combined, creating a creamy and consistent coating for your famous chopped salad.

By following these pro tips, you will consistently produce an outstanding Famous La Scala Chopped Salad that impresses everyone who tries it.

Achieving the perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad involves a few key techniques. Enhance your culinary skills by trying out this Easy Potsticker Soup Recipe that is both delightful and complements the salad wonderfully.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is truly best enjoyed immediately, you can definitely store leftovers or prepare components ahead of time to make future meals easier. Proper storage helps maintain the freshness of your La Scala Salad.

Storing Leftovers:
* Undressed Salad: If you have any un-dressed components of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chopped lettuce, salami, cheeses, and chickpeas will remain fresh for 2-3 days. This method is ideal for meal prepping, allowing you to quickly assemble a fresh Famous La Scala Chopped Salad anytime.

* Dressed Salad: A fully dressed Famous La Scala Chopped Salad will start to wilt after a few hours due to the vinegar in the dressing. If you have leftovers of a dressed salad, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 1 day.

The lettuce will be softer, but the flavors of this famous chopped salad will still be enjoyable.
* Dressing: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

The olive oil may solidify when chilled; simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or gently warm the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before re-shaking and using. This ensures your dressing is always ready for another La Scala Salad.

Reheating Tips:
* This is a fresh salad recipe, so “reheating” isn’t applicable. The beauty of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad lies in its crisp, cool presentation. If your dressed salad has been refrigerated and feels too cold, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. This often enhances the flavor perception of the ingredients in this iconic chopped salad.

Following these storage guidelines helps you enjoy your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad for longer and simplifies meal preparation, ensuring every serving is as fresh as possible.

What to Serve With This Recipe

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is substantial enough to stand on its own as a light meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your culinary experience with this iconic chopped salad.

* Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: A classic pairing. The bread provides a wonderful contrast in texture and serves perfectly for soaking up any leftover dressing from your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad. Toasted garlic bread or a warm baguette enhances the meal.

* Grilled Chicken or Fish: For a heartier meal, serve the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad alongside simply grilled chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or white fish. The fresh, tangy salad cuts through the richness of the protein beautifully. This creates a balanced and satisfying dinner featuring the famous chopped salad.

* Soup: A warm bowl of soup, such as a creamy tomato soup, a hearty lentil soup, or a light vegetable broth, makes an excellent accompaniment. The combination of warm soup and cool, crisp La Scala Salad is particularly comforting.
* Pizza or Flatbreads: Thinking casual?

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is the perfect fresh side dish to balance out a cheesy pizza or a savory flatbread. It adds a much-needed crunch and zest.
* Pasta Dishes: If you’re serving a rich pasta dish, like a creamy pasta primavera or a simple aglio e olio, a side of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad offers a refreshing counterpoint.

Its brightness cuts through heavier sauces.
* Sandwiches or Wraps: For a classic deli-style meal, pair your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad with your favorite sandwich or wrap. It elevates a simple lunch into something more special and complete.

* Legumes or Grains: Serve with a side of quinoa or couscous for an added texture and healthy carbohydrate boost. This makes your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad even more filling.

No matter what you choose, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad consistently shines, proving its versatility as a beloved dish for any occasion.

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is substantial enough to stand on its own as a light meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a comforting addition, try serving it alongside a Simple Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup for an inviting and satisfying meal.

FAQs

What makes this “La Scala” salad famous?

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad originated at the legendary La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, created by restaurateur Jean Leon in the 1950s. Its fame comes from its unique combination of finely chopped ingredients, a perfectly balanced vinaigrette, and its popularity among Hollywood celebrities. The precise chop and fresh flavors quickly made this particular La Scala Salad an iconic dish, known for its consistency and irresistible taste.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the dressing ahead of time is a fantastic idea. You can make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad dressing up to a week in advance.

Store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good shake or whisk before you use it, as the oil and vinegar may separate, and the olive oil might solidify slightly when chilled. This pre-made dressing makes assembling your famous chopped salad incredibly quick.

Is the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad healthy?

Yes, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad can be a very healthy choice! It is packed with fresh vegetables, plant-based protein from chickpeas, and healthy fats from olive oil. The portion sizes and specific ingredient choices influence its health profile.

You can make it even healthier by reducing the amount of cheese or using a lighter hand with the dressing. Overall, it offers a great balance of nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to your meal plan.

What kind of salami should I use for this famous chopped salad?

For the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, we use halal chicken or beef salami. This ensures the dish remains accessible and delicious for everyone. Look for a good quality, firm salami that you can easily dice.

The quality of the salami greatly contributes to the savory depth of this classic chopped salad. Many specialty stores and even larger supermarkets now carry excellent halal options.

How finely should I chop the ingredients?

The signature of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is its very fine, uniform chop. Aim for all ingredients, including the lettuce, salami, and red onion, to be roughly the size of the chickpeas – about ¼-inch to ½-inch pieces. This meticulous chopping ensures that you get a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every single bite, making the La Scala Salad uniquely satisfying.

Can I add other vegetables to the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

Certainly! While the classic Famous La Scala Chopped Salad has a specific set of ingredients, you can absolutely customize it with other vegetables. Finely chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered) would make delicious additions. Just remember to keep the chop consistent with the other ingredients to maintain the signature texture of this famous chopped salad.

Why do my greens get soggy when I make this La Scala Salad?

Soggy greens are usually the result of two main issues: either the lettuce wasn’t thoroughly dried before dressing, or the salad was dressed too far in advance. Ensure your lettuce is completely dry after washing using a salad spinner or paper towels. Always dress the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad right before you plan to serve it to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad has become a celebrated dish that showcases the beauty of combining fresh ingredients into a harmonious mix. For more about its history and variations, check out this detailed overview on salads.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note: This nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredient measurements. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and serving sizes. This calculation assumes approximately 6 servings for the entire Famous La Scala Chopped Salad recipe.

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	380-420 kcal
Total Fat	30-35 g
Saturated Fat	9-11 g
Cholesterol	35-45 mg
Sodium	700-800 mg
Total Carbohydrates	15-18 g
Dietary Fiber	4-5 g
Sugars	2-3 g
Protein	18-22 g
Vitamin A	~20% DV
Vitamin C	~15% DV
Calcium	~25% DV
Iron	~10% DV

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