Name: Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or grated Parmesan cheese); 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5-6 cups); 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4-5 cups); 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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If you have a soft spot for vibrant, satisfying salads that burst with flavor and texture, you are going to love diving into the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. This classic Italian-American creation is more than just a salad—it’s a lively medley of crisp lettuces, creamy mozzarella, savory salami, and a tangy, garlicky dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing lunch or a show-stopping side, this recipe shines with simple ingredients that pack a punch and will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered salad on a white marbled surface with a beige and green striped cloth underneath. Inside the bowl, shredded white cheese forms a thick layer on one side. On top and around this cheese layer, there are thin strips of dark pink cured meat scattered generously. To the right side of the bowl, there is a portion of light beige chickpeas, sitting on a bed of fresh, dark green leafy lettuce. Behind the bowl, a small glass container with light tan dressing is partially visible. The whole arrangement looks fresh and ready to serve. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe has a role to play—from adding crunch or creaminess to lending a savory or tangy note. The simplicity of these essentials makes the prep straightforward while ensuring the salad remains bursting with fresh, vibrant colors and irresistible flavors.

Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for the dressing that brings everything together smoothly.
Red wine vinegar: Adds a sharp, tangy contrast that brightens the salad’s overall taste.
Garlic cloves, minced: Imparts a punchy, aromatic warmth that wakes up the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Creates a silky texture in the dressing and gives a subtle kick.
Kosher salt and pepper: Perfectly seasons the ingredients and enhances their natural flavors.
Pecorino Romano cheese: Offers a salty, nutty depth that complements the salad’s blend perfectly.
Shredded iceberg lettuce: Adds crispness and a refreshing crunch that’s essential for balance.
Shredded romaine lettuce: Brings a slightly bitter, leafy bite that enriches the texture spectrum.
Chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Add hearty body and a subtle nuttiness to every bite.
Italian salami, thinly sliced: Introduces savory, meaty richness that elevates the salad to a meal.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides creamy, melty tenderness that soothes the palate.

How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the homemade dressing

Start by combining extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk everything together or shake the jar vigorously to create a vibrant, well-emulsified dressing. This tangy and flavorful dressing is the secret that ties the entire salad together, giving it a harmonious depth.

Step 2: Prepare the fresh base

In a large mixing bowl, toss together shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces. Their combined crisp and slightly bitter profiles form the green foundation of the salad, offering delightful texture and brightness.

Step 3: Add the heartiness and cheese

Next, fold in the rinsed chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Each ingredient contributes a unique layer of flavor and richness—chickpeas add substance, salami brings savory complexity, and mozzarella delivers creamy softness.

Step 4: Dress and toss it thoroughly

Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad components and toss everything gently but thoroughly. Make sure every piece of lettuce and morsel of cheese and salami is glistening with that luscious dressing; this is what makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Serve immediately

This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the lettuces crisp and the dressing vibrant. If needed, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or two, but the flavors shine brightest right after tossing.

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

This image shows a mixed salad in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The salad has multiple layers: a base of thin, chopped green lettuce strips, scattered round beige chickpeas, thin white cheese shreds, light yellow small pieces, and thin slices of reddish-brown meat or dried meat strips mixed throughout. A black spoon lifts some salad from the bowl, with a woman's hand holding the bowl on the right edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, consider sprinkling some freshly cracked black pepper or a few shavings of Pecorino Romano just before serving. A handful of toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also elevate the presentation and add a pleasant crunch or sweetness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with hearty Italian fare such as garlic bread, grilled chicken, or a light pasta dish. It also works beautifully alongside roasted vegetables or as a refreshing starter for a multi-course meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for a stylish picnic or lunchbox idea. Alternatively, arrange the salad on a large platter with the ingredients layered artfully before tossing at the table – it creates a dramatic and interactive experience for your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To maintain the crispness and prevent sogginess, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The lettuce will lose its texture and the cheese and dressing components won’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, enjoy any leftovers chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in the salad?

Absolutely! While Pecorino Romano and mozzarella are traditional, parmesan or provolone also work wonderfully. Feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, simply omit the Italian salami and consider adding roasted nuts or more chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Definitely! The dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using to recombine the ingredients.

What is the best way to chop the lettuce for this salad?

Finely chop the iceberg and romaine so the salad is easy to eat with a fork and the flavors meld nicely—think bite-sized pieces rather than large leaves.

Can this salad be doubled for a larger crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales up nicely. Just keep the same ratios for the dressing and ingredients, and toss gently to ensure even coating.

Final Thoughts

Ready to wow your friends or family with a salad that dances between fresh crunch, savory richness, and tangy zest? The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try, delivering a unique blend of flavors that feels both comforting and exciting. Go ahead, whip up a batch today and enjoy the delightful mix of textures and tastes that make this salad a beloved classic in my kitchen and hopefully soon yours too!

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need