Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

The La Scala Chopped Salad brings iconic California restaurant nostalgia right to your kitchen with a crisp mix of lettuces hearty chickpeas savory salami and a tangy homemade dressing. It is a meal in itself but also works beautifully as a side with grilled chicken or fish. I first tried this salad when I wanted something special for a girls lunch and it quickly became the most requested recipe in our house

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: for a rich and smooth base in the dressing select a cold pressed type for best flavor
• Red wine vinegar: which gives the dressing its signature tang choose a quality brand for depth
• Garlic: brings savory bite opt for fresh cloves to avoid bitterness
• Dijon mustard or dry mustard: for creamy sharpness taste the dressing and adjust as you prefer
• Kosher salt and black pepper: to balance flavors use freshly cracked pepper for a finishing touch
• Pecorino Romano cheese or parmesan: give a salty cheesy kick freshly grated has the brightest flavor
• Iceberg lettuce: is ultra crisp and refreshing avoid wilted heads and choose ones that feel heavy for their size
• Romaine lettuce: adds crunch and substance the inner hearts are sweetest
• Chickpeas: provide extra protein and texture look for cans with low sodium
• Italian salami: for bold meatiness try to find a thick cut from the specialty cheese section
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: lends a creamy mildness pre shredded works but fresh mozzarella can be chopped for even more flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dressing:

Combine olive oil red wine vinegar minced garlic mustard salt pepper and grated cheese in a small bowl or jar. Whisk thoroughly or seal and shake until creamy and emulsified. Taste for seasoning before using

Prepare the Greens and Add Ins:

Shred iceberg and romaine lettuce using a sharp chef knife or salad spinner. Place into a large mixing bowl along with drained rinsed chickpeas thinly sliced Italian salami and shredded mozzarella

Toss the Salad:

Pour the dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Use clean hands or salad tongs to toss carefully ensuring every bite gets some dressing and cheese bits

Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer the dressed salad to a large platter or individual bowls. Serve immediately for best crunch. For parties you can prep ingredients up to a day ahead but wait to dress until right before eating

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Storage Tips

Keep leftover salad undressed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For advance prep store the dressing separately in a jar and only combine when ready to serve. If already dressed the salad will keep its crunch for a few hours then soften

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out mozzarella for provolone or even fontina for added flavor. For a vegetarian version just skip the salami and double up on chickpeas. If pecorino is hard to find parmesan works beautifully. Romaine and iceberg can both be replaced with a sturdy green like cabbage in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

This salad stands alone as a main dish especially for lunch with a slice of crusty bread on the side. It also pairs well with grilled shrimp chicken or steak. For a lighter meal serve smaller portions alongside homemade soup

Salad History

La Scala was a Hollywood hotspot where this chopped salad became legendary as a lunchtime favorite for stars and locals alike. Its simple but bold combination of flavors helped define California’s fresh Italian American food scene

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes La Scala chopped salad unique?

This salad stands out for its mix of crisp lettuces, Italian salami, chickpeas, and tangy, cheesy dressing—delivering balanced flavor and texture in every bite.

→ Can I substitute the Italian salami?

Yes! Try substituting with turkey, grilled chicken, or omit for a vegetarian option. For similar depth, use another robust cured meat.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. For best texture, combine just before serving. Consume within two days.

→ Do I need to shred the lettuce by hand?

You can hand-shred the lettuce for the freshest texture, or save time with pre-shredded varieties from the grocery store.

→ Is there a cheese alternative to Pecorino Romano?

Parmesan is a great substitute for Pecorino Romano, offering a similarly sharp, nutty flavor profile for the dressing.