Name: Famous La Scala Chopped Salad: Crunchy Bliss in 15 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 cups romaine lettuce (can substitute iceberg); 1 cup Genoa salami (can substitute prosciutto or turkey salami); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (can use Fontina or goat cheese); 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (canned, rinsed and drained); 1/3 cup olive oil (can substitute avocado oil); 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (can substitute balsamic or apple cider vinegar); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (can use yellow mustard if needed); 1 teaspoon oregano (can substitute Italian seasoning); to taste salt; to taste pepper

As I was tossing together ingredients for my lunch one afternoon, it struck me just how every bite of a salad can transport you to a different world. Take the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, for example. This quick, yet elegant dish combines crisp romaine, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella, all brought together with a zesty vinaigrette. Not only does it come together in a mere 15 minutes, but this salad is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for cozy lunches, bustling dinner parties, or healthy meal prep. With flavors that evoke the charm of Hollywood dining, there’s no reason not to customize it to your heart’s content. What unexpected twist would you add to make it your own?

Why Is This Salad So Tempting?

Quick Preparation: Enjoy the simplicity of this dish, with all ingredients coming together in just 15 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Endless Customization: Feel free to swap protein sources or cheeses based on your preferences—try grilled chicken or feta for a unique spin!
Vibrant Freshness: Relish in the burst of flavors from the zesty vinaigrette, paired beautifully with crisp romaine and savory salami.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress your guests whether it’s for a casual brunch or a festive dinner—everyone will love this salad!
Meal Prep Friendly: Utilize this recipe for healthy meal prep; keep ingredients separate to maintain freshness, then mix just before serving. Incorporate it alongside other favorites like Corn Pasta Salad or a fresh Broccoli Cauliflower Corn for a complete feast.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Ingredients

For the Salad

Romaine Lettuce – Provides crispness and a fresh flavor; you can swap with iceberg for a different crunch.
Genoa Salami – Adds savory depth and protein; for a lighter option, use prosciutto or turkey salami.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Contributes creaminess; try Fontina or goat cheese for a unique twist.
Chickpeas – Adds protein and a delightful nutty texture; canned is convenient, or you can cook from dry for a healthier choice.

For the Vinaigrette

Olive Oil – Acts as the base for the dressing, adding richness; avocado oil is a great substitute for a neutral flavor.
Red Wine Vinegar – Provides the perfect acidity to balance flavors; balsamic vinegar offers sweetness, while apple cider vinegar gives a tangy kick.
Dijon Mustard – Enhances flavor depth in the dressing; regular yellow mustard can work in a pinch if needed.
Oregano – Offers an earthy note to the dressing; Italian seasoning can replace it for a broader flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste for a perfect finish.

Now you’re all set with the ingredients to create a vibrant and flavorful Famous La Scala Chopped Salad! Enjoy the delightful crunch and customization opportunities that this dish brings to your table.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Begin by finely chopping about 4 cups of fresh romaine lettuce and placing it in a large mixing bowl. Next, dice approximately 1 cup of Genoa salami and shred 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Rinse and drain one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, then add all these ingredients to the bowl. Take a moment to admire the vibrant colors and textures before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Make Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly, ensuring a creamy texture that will coat your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad beautifully.

Step 3: Combine
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the bowl of chopped ingredients. Carefully toss everything together with a large spoon or salad tongs, ensuring that the lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas are evenly coated with your zesty vinaigrette. Pay attention to the delightful mix of flavors coming together as you combine the ingredients.

Step 4: Dress and Rest
For optimal flavor development, let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the vibrant ingredients in your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad to absorb the dressing’s tangy notes. During this time, you might want to set the table or prepare any additional sides you plan to serve alongside this refreshing dish.

Step 5: Serve
After allowing the salad to rest, give it one final toss to ensure everything is well mixed. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Enjoy the stunning presentation with the crisp textures and colorful ingredients. This salad is ideal for a light lunch or as a stunning side dish at dinner gatherings.

Make Ahead Options

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy weeknights! You can prepare all your ingredients—chopped romaine, diced salami, shredded mozzarella, and drained chickpeas—up to 3 days in advance. Simply store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and crispness. The vinaigrette can also be made ahead and stored for up to 1 week in the fridge; just give it a good shake before using. When you’re ready to enjoy the salad, combine the prepared ingredients, pour the dressing over, and let it rest for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld together beautifully! This way, you’ll savor a restaurant-quality salad without any last-minute fuss.

Expert Tips for the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Uniform Chopping: Ensure all ingredients are chopped to similar sizes for a balanced bite, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Dressing Timing: Prepare ingredients ahead of time but combine with dressing just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.
Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest for 30 minutes before serving if you want a deeper flavor profile from the vinaigrette.
Vinaigrette Emulsion: Whisk the dressing until fully emulsified to ensure a creamy coat that clings to every piece of your salad.
Mixing Method: Use gentle tossing to avoid bruising the lettuce leaves while mixing the ingredients, ensuring a vibrant presentation.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Variations

Feel free to explore delightful twists on the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad and make it uniquely yours!

Grilled Chicken: Swap the salami for grilled chicken breast to create a leaner protein option that complements the vibrant flavors beautifully.
Adding grilled chicken not only enhances the salad’s heartiness but can also bring a smoky element that elevates each bite.
Turkey Salami: Use turkey salami instead of Genoa for a lighter, leaner twist. This subtle change keeps the savory depth while reducing calorie content.
It’s an excellent option for those who want to indulge without any guilt while enjoying the same classic flavors.
Feta Cheese: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy boost and a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crisp lettuce.
The salty bite of feta can add a delightful layer of flavor that transports you to the Mediterranean.
Roasted Veggies: Incorporate roasted bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and a wonderful depth of flavor. Toss them in before serving for added warmth.
This variation not only enhances the texture but also provides a vibrant color contrast, making your salad more visually appealing.
Olives: Add a handful of sliced olives for a briny kick that pairs wonderfully with the zesty vinaigrette.
This addition introduces a Mediterranean flair, offering bursts of flavor with each crunchy mouthful.
Mixed Greens: Substitute romaine lettuce with a mix of baby kale or arugula for a peppery or slightly bitter finish.
This twist delivers an exciting flavor profile and ensures you’re getting a variety of nutrients from different greens!
Hot Peppers: For some heat, toss in a few slices of jalapeños or banana peppers. This will kick your salad up a notch!
The fiery touch can make each bite an adventure, appealing to those who love adding spice to their meals.

Consider pairing your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad with other delightful recipes like Corn Pasta Salad or a refreshing Broccoli Cauliflower Corn dish for a full feast that impresses every guest at the table!

What to Serve with Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this salad with complementary dishes that enhance its bright flavors and textures.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover vinaigrette, a warm, artisanal loaf adds a comforting element to your meal.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy skewers add protein and a smoky flavor that beautifully balances the zesty freshness of the salad.
Roasted Veggies: Sweet and savory roasted vegetables provide a delightful contrast, bringing depth and a satisfying crunch to your plate.
Italian Antipasto Platter: A medley of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses creates a colorful appetizer that mirrors the salad’s lively vibe.
Light Tomato Soup: A bowl of creamy tomato soup can create a comforting, hearty lunch when combined with the zesty salad.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refreshing and light, this drink cleanses the palate and enhances the fresh flavors of your meal.

Whether for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, these pairings will take your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad to the next level!

How to Store and Freeze Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Fridge: Store leftover Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day to maintain freshness.

Ingredients Separation: Keep ingredients, especially the dressing, separate until ready to serve to preserve the crispness of the romaine and salami.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the salad due to the texture changes after thawing; instead, prepare fresh as needed.

Reheating: Enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature; there’s no need to reheat as the vibrant flavors shine through best when served fresh.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe FAQs

What type of lettuce should I use for the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
Absolutely! The essential choice is crisp romaine lettuce, which provides that delightful crunch. If you’d like to change things up, feel free to substitute with iceberg or even kale for a slightly different texture and flavor.

How should I store leftovers of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again to maintain that satisfying crunch of the romaine and the chewiness of the salami.

Can I freeze the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad. The ingredients will lose their crispness and texture after thawing, which can significantly change the experience. Instead, I suggest making it fresh as needed to enjoy it at its best!

What can I do if my salad dressing is too thick?
If you find your vinaigrette is a bit thick, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of red wine vinegar to thin it out. Whisk again until emulsified. This ensures it coats your salad evenly without being overly heavy.

Are there any dietary considerations for the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
Yes, while this salad is gluten-free when using compliant salami, always check labels for hidden gluten if you have allergies. Additionally, feel free to substitute the salami with grilled chicken or shrimp for a lighter, yet protein-packed alternative.

How can I add a personal twist to the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
Very! This salad is incredibly versatile. Consider adding your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for more texture. You might also add ingredients like diced bell peppers or olives for extra color and flavor!