La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Classic
La Scala Chopped Salad has become a beloved classic in many households, known for its vibrant colors and balance of fresh, crunchy vegetables with a tangy, savory dressing. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying salad that’s quick to prepare yet packed with flavor. Combining crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce, Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese, this chopped salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. The star of the dish is the zesty dressing made with red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of Pecorino Romano cheese that ties everything together.
For more refreshing salad recipes, check out Classic Caesar Salad or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe | Fresh, Tangy, and Flavorful
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
La Scala Chopped Salad is a refreshing and hearty salad inspired by the famous dish from the La Scala restaurant. It features a crisp combination of iceberg and romaine lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. The addition of grated Pecorino Romano cheese adds a savory depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of this easy-to-make and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or 1 teaspoon dry mustard)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or grated Parmesan cheese)
For the Salad:
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5–6 cups)
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4–5 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan) cheese and whisk again until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Shred the iceberg and romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, and add them to the salad bowl.
- Thinly slice the Italian salami and add it to the bowl along with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Toss the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss everything together until the lettuce and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Serve:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving. Garnish with additional Pecorino Romano cheese, if desired.
Notes
You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This salad is best served fresh, but can be kept for a few hours if needed. For added crunch, you can serve with some croutons or toasted nuts.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can omit the salami and mozzarella, and still enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors of the lettuce and chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Tossing, Whisking
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1-1.5 cups of salad)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: La Scala Chopped Salad
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salad Vegetables
Start by washing and shredding the iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce. You want to make sure the lettuce is well-dried to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. After shredding, place both lettuces in a large salad bowl.
2. Prepare the Salad Add-ins
Next, drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Slice the Italian salami into thin strips or small cubes, depending on your preference. Add the chickpeas and salami to the bowl with the lettuce.
3. Shred the Cheese
Shred the mozzarella cheese and Pecorino Romano (or parmesan) cheese. Set the mozzarella aside and add the grated Pecorino Romano to the salad bowl.
4. Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing emulsifies and the mustard is fully dissolved into the mixture.
5. Combine the Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Ensure that all the ingredients are coated in the flavorful dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or mustard according to your preference.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Top the salad with the shredded mozzarella cheese for an extra layer of creamy goodness. Garnish with additional Pecorino Romano cheese if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short time to chill before serving.
Advanced Techniques
Make Ahead for Extra Flavor
If you want to make the salad ahead of time, it’s best to prepare the dressing separately and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
Customizing the Salad
This salad can be easily adapted to your tastes. Here are some ideas:
- Add more veggies: Include cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or red onions to add variety and color.
- Switch the cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, try feta, gorgonzola, or parmesan.
- Add protein: For a more filling meal, top the salad with grilled chicken, tuna, or boiled eggs.
Crunchy Additions
For an extra crunch, you can add toasted croutons, sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds to the salad. These crunchy toppings will add more texture and flavor.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
How to Store Leftover Salad
If you have leftover La Scala Chopped Salad, it’s best to store the salad and dressing separately. The salad components, including the lettuce, will wilt if left in the dressing for too long. Keep the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The dressing can be stored separately in a jar or airtight container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Reusing Leftover Ingredients
If you have leftover salami or chickpeas, you can store them in separate containers for up to 3-4 days. These ingredients are great for other salads, sandwiches, or as snacks. Mozzarella cheese and Pecorino Romano should be kept in the fridge and used within 1 week for best freshness.
Freezing the Salad
It’s not recommended to freeze the salad, as the lettuce will become soggy once thawed. However, you can freeze any leftover dressing for later use.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the salami and replace it with more plant-based protein, such as roasted chickpeas or tofu. You can also add some avocado for extra creaminess.
Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, ensure that your salami and dressing ingredients are verified gluten-free. Some processed meats may contain hidden gluten, so be sure to check labels if necessary.
Dairy-Free
For a dairy-free version, replace the mozzarella cheese and Pecorino Romano with a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit the cheese altogether. You can also use a vegan mayonnaise or olive oil-based dressing to make it completely dairy-free.
FAQs About The Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes! While iceberg and romaine lettuce are traditional for La Scala Chopped Salad, you can use butter lettuce, spinach, or arugula for a different taste and texture. Just be sure to chop them finely for the best presentation.
Q2: Can I prepare the salad the night before?
It’s best to prepare the salad just before serving to ensure the lettuce remains fresh and crisp. However, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just toss everything together with the dressing when ready to serve.
Q3: Can I make this salad without cheese?
Yes, you can omit the mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheeses to make a dairy-free version. You can also add avocado or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for additional richness.
Q4: Can I add other proteins to the salad?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile, so feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna for extra protein. You can also try boiled eggs or roasted turkey for a variation on this dish.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The La Scala Chopped Salad is an easy-to-make yet incredibly flavorful salad that will brighten up any meal. Its combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables, savory salami, and tangy dressing makes it a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a light meal, this salad is sure to impress.
Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences and dietary needs. This dish can be adapted to suit various tastes, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.