Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe – A Hollywood Favorite You Can Make at Home

If you’ve ever dreamed of dining like a Hollywood star, the La Scala chopped salad is a perfect place to start. Famous among celebrities for its crisp textures, savory flavors, and vibrant ingredients, this Italian-American classic combines romaine lettuce, Genoa salami, chickpeas, and mozzarella with a zesty vinaigrette that ties everything together. It’s quick, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make at home—no fancy equipment or long prep required.

This chopped salad strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. The savory, slightly salty salami and creamy mozzarella contrast beautifully with crisp romaine lettuce, while protein-packed chickpeas add substance and texture. The dressing, a simple blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and oregano, delivers just the right amount of tang and herbaceous flavor. The result is a salad that is vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying, yet light enough to serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course for lunch.

One reason this salad has become a celebrity favorite is its versatility. You can customize it based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Swap in turkey or chicken for a leaner protein, add olives or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor, or include pepperoncini for a subtle spicy kick. Each variation maintains the salad’s signature freshness and crunch while allowing for personal flair.

Beyond taste, the La Scala chopped salad is also practical. It’s a no-cook recipe, meaning it takes very little active preparation time—about 10 minutes from start to finish. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or last-minute entertaining. By chopping the ingredients finely and tossing them together with a bright vinaigrette, you get a uniform mix of flavors in every bite, ensuring each forkful delivers the perfect combination of textures and tastes.

Nutritionally, this salad is balanced and wholesome. Romaine provides fiber and vitamins, chickpeas offer plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates, and olive oil delivers heart-healthy fats. While the salami and mozzarella add richness, the portion control and fresh ingredients keep it moderate in calories, making it a satisfying yet guilt-free choice.

This guide will provide a detailed walkthrough of the La Scala chopped salad recipe, tips for preparation, ideas for customization, and advice on storage. By following these steps, you can bring a touch of Hollywood glamour to your dining table while enjoying a flavorful, nutrient-packed salad.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• 1 cup finely chopped Genoa salami
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Grated Parmesan, olives, roasted red peppers, or pepperoncini for garnish

Preparation Method

Step 1: Chop the Ingredients

Finely chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Chop the Genoa salami and shred the mozzarella. The uniform size ensures every bite has a consistent mix of flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas

Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly. This removes excess salt and liquid from the can, ensuring they blend well with the other ingredients without watering down the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The Dijon mustard emulsifies the oil and vinegar, creating a smooth, tangy dressing that clings to the chopped ingredients.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Let the Flavors Marry

Allow the salad to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dressing soak into the lettuce and ingredients, enhancing the flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, or add extras like olives, roasted red peppers, or pepperoncini for added flair.

Tips for Perfect La Scala Chopped Salad

• Chop finely: Smaller pieces make the salad easier to eat and ensure flavors are well distributed.
• Use quality ingredients: Good olive oil, fresh Romaine, and high-quality salami make a noticeable difference.
• Customize freely: Add extra vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust seasoning to suit your taste.
• Toss just before serving: To maintain crispness, combine dressing and salad ingredients shortly before eating.
• Meal prep option: Store chopped salad ingredients separately in airtight containers and toss with dressing when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer: Serve small portions as a first course for dinner parties or gatherings.
• Lunch or Light Dinner: Pair with crusty bread or a simple side of roasted vegetables.
• Party Platter: Arrange in individual bowls or cups for a visually appealing presentation.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs, shaved Parmesan, or a few olives elevate both flavor and appearance.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

• Store chopped salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Keep dressing in a separate container until ready to serve to maintain crispness.
• Toss just before serving for the freshest texture and taste.

Why This Recipe Works

The La Scala chopped salad succeeds because it balances textures, flavors, and ease of preparation. The crisp romaine contrasts with creamy mozzarella, savory salami, and firm chickpeas. The vinaigrette ties these components together with tangy, herby notes that enhance rather than overpower the main ingredients.

It’s also quick, no-cook, and highly customizable, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Whether serving a casual meal or a more elegant spread, the salad is both visually appealing and flavorful.

Conclusion

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your kitchen. Its combination of crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and protein-rich chickpeas makes it satisfying, flavorful, and versatile. The zesty vinaigrette elevates the dish with freshness and brightness, making it a standout salad for any occasion.

Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner, this salad proves that simple, high-quality ingredients can deliver restaurant-quality results at home. Its quick preparation, elegant presentation, and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a must-have recipe for your repertoire.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Chop ingredients and store separately, adding the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

2. Can I substitute the salami?
Yes. Turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian protein can be used for a lighter option.

3. How long does the salad last?
Stored without dressing, ingredients last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Olives, roasted red peppers, or pepperoncini are great additions.

5. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, as long as dressing is kept separate until serving.

6. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
Yes, just dice it into small pieces to ensure even distribution.

7. Should the salad be served chilled?
It can be served chilled or at room temperature; either works.

8. Can I make the vinaigrette creamier?
Add a teaspoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to create a creamy version.

9. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free if no additional croutons or bread are added.

10. Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the dressing to taste.