Fresh La Scala Chopped Salad: At-Home Version (Print Version)

Whip up my take on the iconic La Scala Chopped Salad! This fresh, vibrant recipe brings Beverly Hills right to your kitchen with a personal twist.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Salad Base

01 - 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
02 - 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
03 - 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained

→ Savory Mix-Ins

04 - 4 ounces Genoa salami, diced small
05 - 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (small balls or diced), about 1 cup
06 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced

→ Zesty Dressing Essentials

07 - 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
08 - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - First up, the chopping! This is where the "chopped" in La Scala Chopped Salad truly comes alive. Take your iceberg and romaine, wash 'em well, and then get to dicing. We're aiming for small, uniform pieces here, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. I always feel like a tiny chef doing this, and honestly, don't stress if they're not all perfect cubes. Mine rarely are! Just make sure they're small enough to get a bit of everything in one bite. It's satisfying, truly.
02 - Next, it's time for the salami, mozzarella, and red onion. Dice them up to match the size of your lettuce. The chickpeas just need a good rinse and drain. I've had moments where I've rushed this step and ended up with chunky bits that threw off the whole balance. Not ideal! Take your time; the uniformity is what makes this salad sing. It’s like a little puzzle, assembling all the beautiful pieces for your La Scala Chopped Salad.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together your red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I usually start with a little less salt, give it a taste, and then adjust. This dressing is tangy, zesty, and just perfect. It should smell bright and inviting! I’ve definitely over-salted a dressing before, and, oops, had to start over. Taste as you go, my friend, it's the golden rule!
04 - Now for the fun part! In a very large bowl – seriously, get the biggest one you have – combine your chopped lettuces, chickpeas, salami, mozzarella, and red onion. This is where you start to see your La Scala Chopped Salad come to life. I always marvel at the colors. Don't add the dressing yet, though! We want to keep things crisp until serving time. Give it a gentle toss to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
05 - Right before serving, pour about two-thirds of the dressing over your salad mixture. Now, toss, toss, toss! Use large salad tongs or even your clean hands (my preferred method, honestly, it feels more connected to the food) to ensure every single piece gets coated. Add more dressing if you think it needs it, but remember, you don't want it swimming. A perfectly dressed La Scala Chopped Salad has just enough zing without being soggy.
06 - Divide your beautiful La Scala Chopped Salad among plates. If you're using it, sprinkle with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This salad is best enjoyed immediately when everything is super crisp and the dressing is fresh. The sight of it always makes me smile – all those vibrant colors and textures, ready to be devoured. It's simple, yet so elegant!

# Notes:

01 - Always chop everything uniformly for that signature La Scala Chopped Salad texture and balanced bite.
02 - Keep the dressing separate from the chopped salad components in the fridge; it prevents sogginess and keeps it fresh for days.
03 - Diced cooked chicken or turkey can easily replace the salami for a lighter, equally delicious La Scala Chopped Salad.
04 - Chill your serving bowls beforehand for an extra refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad experience, especially on warm days.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - sharp chef's knife
03 - cutting board
04 - whisk
05 - salad spinner (optional)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 28-32g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 12-15g

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