The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe has earned legendary status for good reason: it’s surprisingly easy, brilliantly flavorful, and packed with the kind of fresh, zesty crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Inspired by the iconic Los Angeles restaurant, this salad combines crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy cheeses, and hearty garbanzo beans, all tossed with a tangy homemade dressing. Whether you’re prepping a solo lunch or hosting a dinner party, this salad brings restaurant-quality taste to your table in just minutes.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is carefully chosen to balance crunch, creaminess, and bursts of savory flavor. This is the sort of salad where each component truly matters—so let’s take a look at the essentials and why you don’t want to skip any of them.

Romaine lettuce: Crisp and sturdy, this leafy green forms the backbone of the salad and stays crunchy even after tossing with dressing.
Iceberg lettuce: Adds extra crunch and a refreshing, juicy texture you’ll love in every bite.
Salami: Savory, slightly spicy slices that bring classic Italian deli vibes—swap it for turkey or go meatless if you prefer.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella delivers a mild, milky richness that balances out the sharpness of the dressing.
Parmesan cheese: Adds that unmistakable nutty and salty depth; a freshly grated block makes all the difference.
Garbanzo beans: Also known as chickpeas, these give the salad a delightful bite and pack in extra protein and fiber.
Extra virgin olive oil: High-quality oil is key for a luscious, flavorful dressing—don’t skimp here!
Red wine vinegar: A classic brightener, this cuts through the richness and ties everything together.
Dijon mustard: The secret to creaminess and zing in the dressing—just a touch livens up the whole dish.
Dried oregano: Adds herbaceous warmth that makes the salad taste like it’s straight out of an Italian kitchen.
Garlic powder: Subtle but essential, this helps round out the flavors without overpowering them.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that ensure every ingredient shines just right.

How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Chop Your Ingredients

Start by washing and drying your romaine and iceberg lettuces thoroughly. Chop them into bite-size pieces—think about the perfect forkful. Uniform pieces guarantee every bite has a bit of everything, which is a huge part of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe magic. Drain and rinse your garbanzo beans, finely chop your salami, and set out your cheeses so everything’s ready to assemble.

Step 2: Make the Signature Dressing

In a small bowl or jar with a tight lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and looks creamy. Take a quick taste to check the seasoning and tweak with a little more vinegar or mustard if you love extra tang.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Grab your largest salad bowl and add the chopped lettuces, garbanzo beans, finely chopped salami, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. This is your moment to admire all those colors and textures coming together. Pour in the dressing and, using clean hands or salad tongs, toss thoroughly so every ingredient is glossy and coated. The mix of creamy cheese, beans, and crisp greens should look irresistible!

Step 4: Toss and Serve Immediately

The key to this step is working quickly—La Scala’s classic salad is all about freshness. Make sure everything is evenly mixed, then serve right away so the lettuces retain their crunch and the flavors are at their brightest.

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish takes this salad from great to unforgettable. Try a scattering of freshly cracked black pepper, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving. If you want a little zing, a few thinly sliced pepperoncini add nice color and a gentle heat.

Side Dishes

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is filling enough for a main course at lunch, but it’s also the ultimate starter for an Italian-inspired meal. It pairs beautifully with thin, crispy breadsticks, a warm focaccia, or even a bowl of minestrone soup. For extra protein, serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad layered in clear glasses for a portable lunch, or portion it into small cups for a party appetizer. You can also plate it on a large platter and arrange toppings in stripes or clusters, letting your guests scoop up their favorite parts. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece no matter how you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The lettuces may lose some crispness, but the flavors meld together even more, still making for a delightful snack or side the next day.

Freezing

Due to the tender greens and fresh ingredients, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe isn’t suitable for freezing. The lettuces and cheese will turn watery and lose their texture—best to enjoy it fresh or simply prep extra dressing for future salads.

Reheating

This is a no-cook, always-chilled salad, so no reheating is needed (or recommended). If your leftovers are a bit cold from the fridge, just let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the salami and double up on garbanzo beans or add chopped roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color. The salad is still rich and satisfying without the meat.

Which cheese alternatives work best?

If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, try provolone or fontina for a similar creamy texture. Vegan cheese shreds can also work well if you want to make the salad dairy-free.

Can I prep the ingredients in advance?

Yes! Chop all your lettuce, salami, and cheeses and store them separately in the fridge. Make the dressing ahead, too—just shake or whisk again before tossing with the salad to revive the flavors.

What’s the best way to serve this salad at a party?

For potlucks or parties, keep the greens and dressing separate until just before serving so everything stays crisp. Toss it tableside for a bit of flair and freshness right before guests dig in!

How can I make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe lower in sodium?

Go light on the added salt and choose low-sodium beans or rinse the garbanzo beans thoroughly. Opt for a reduced-salt salami or turkey alternative to cut sodium while keeping robust flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe, it’ll quickly earn a place in your regular meal rotation. With its magical mix of crisp, creamy, and tangy flavors, it’s just too good to keep secret. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if your friends start asking for the recipe too!

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of the famous La Scala Chopped Salad with this easy-to-follow recipe. A delightful mix of romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, salami, cheeses, and garbanzo beans tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale

Romaine and Iceberg Lettuces:

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce

Meats and Cheese:

½ cup finely chopped salami
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other:

1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix lettuces, salami, cheeses, and garbanzo beans.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss: Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the salami.
You can substitute provolone or fontina for mozzarella if desired.
This salad is best served fresh but can be prepped in advance with dressing added just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American, Italian-American