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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 24 reviews

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant, hearty Italian-inspired salad combining shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces with tangy dressing, savory salami, chickpeas, and a blend of Pecorino Romano and mozzarella cheeses. This fresh, easy-to-make salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Dressing

  • 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 and pepper
  • ⅓ 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
  • ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Whisk vigorously or seal the jar and shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the dressing is emulsified.
  2. Assemble the Salad: Place the shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces into a large mixing bowl. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the greens.
  3. Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring every bite delivers balanced flavor.
  4. Serve Immediately: Serve this La Scala chopped salad right away for optimal freshness and crispness. If preparing in advance, store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator. Leftover salad can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 1-2 days.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian salami or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
  • Use Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharper, more traditional flavor or Parmesan cheese for a milder taste.
  • Ensure the lettuce is well-shredded for optimal texture and easier tossing.
  • Store dressing separately if preparing the salad in advance to keep greens crisp.
  • Adding freshly cracked black pepper to the final salad enhances the seasoning.