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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

4.6 from 76 reviews

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant, hearty Italian-American salad featuring a tangy homemade dressing, a mix of shredded iceberg and romaine lettuce, chickpeas, savory Italian salami, and creamy mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish that delivers a balanced combination of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad 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 and pepper
  • ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or grated Parmesan cheese)

Salad

  • 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (56 cups)
  • 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (45 cups)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Whisk thoroughly or cover and shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded romaine lettuce, drained chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the freshly made dressing over the top.
  3. Toss and Serve: Toss the salad well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
  4. Storage: If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately in the refrigerator and combine with the salad just before serving. Leftover salad can be kept refrigerated for 1-2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for authentic flavor, but Parmesan works as a fine substitute.
  • For a lighter salad, reduce the amount of salami or substitute with turkey salami.
  • Make sure to drain and rinse the canned chickpeas well to reduce excess sodium and improve freshness.
  • The salad is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
  • Store the dressing separately if preparing ahead of time to avoid soggy greens.

Keywords: La Scala salad, chopped salad, Italian salad, salad with salami, mozzarella salad, easy chopped salad, Italian dressing salad