The Iconic Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe Everyone Loves

Milan’s iconic la scala chopped salad bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate like a culinary symphony.

Chefs worldwide have tried to replicate this legendary dish from the renowned restaurant.

Crisp vegetables mingle with savory proteins in a perfectly balanced composition.

Each ingredient tells a story of italian culinary craftsmanship and precision.

Restaurants might attempt to copy, but nothing compares to the original’s magical blend of textures and tastes.

Unexpected combinations create a masterpiece that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll want to slice, chop, and toss this salad with the passion of a true italian cook.

Why Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Is So Popular

• Craft a Restaurant-Worthy Dish: Recreate the famous La Scala salad right in your kitchen, delivering gourmet restaurant quality without stepping outside.
• Master Quick Nutrition: Pack multiple food groups into one bowl with protein-rich chickpeas, crisp lettuce, savory salami, and creamy cheese for a balanced meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs, making this salad a versatile option for different taste buds and eating styles.
• Impress Guests Instantly: Elevate your entertaining game with a stunning salad that looks professional and tastes incredible, guaranteed to spark conversation at any gathering.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Ingredient List

• Iceberg Lettuce: A crisp and refreshing lettuce that provides a crunchy foundation for the salad.
• Romaine Lettuce: Adds extra crunch and nutritional value to the salad mix.

• Italian Salami: A flavorful cured meat that brings a rich, savory element to the salad.
• Chickpeas: Provides plant-based protein and a soft, creamy texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a mild, creamy cheese component that complements the other ingredients.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Creates a classic, tangy base for the salad dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp and slightly spicy flavor to the dressing.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent and aromatic note to the dressing.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Contributes a salty and sharp cheese flavor to the dressing.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the salad.

How To Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Easily

Step 1: Craft the Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Pecorino Romano cheese

Whisk or shake the mixture until ingredients are thoroughly combined and create a smooth, vibrant dressing.

Step 2: Prepare Salad Base

• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Chopped romaine lettuce
• Drained chickpeas
• Thinly sliced Italian salami
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently mix and coat every element with the tangy vinaigrette. Ensure each bite will have a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Transfer the salad to individual serving plates or keep in the communal bowl. Enjoy immediately while the ingredients are crisp and the dressing is fresh. The salad offers a delightful combination of crunchy greens, protein-packed chickpeas, and savory salami.

Tips To Help With Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Shake Up the Dressing: Use a mason jar for effortless mixing, ensuring all ingredients blend smoothly without extra dishes to wash.
• Chop with Precision: Cut ingredients into uniform, bite-sized pieces for a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every forkful.
• Cheese Boost: Freshly grated Pecorino Romano adds more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese, elevating the overall taste profile.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and dressing to slightly marinate the ingredients.
• Protein Swap: Replace salami with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers maximum taste.

Tasty Spins On Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace salami with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein option.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap iceberg lettuce with mixed greens, add kalamata olives, and use feta cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Eliminate chickpeas, increase salami quantity, add extra virgin olive oil, and use a low-carb dressing with more cheese.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use gluten-free salami, and check Dijon mustard label for safe consumption.

Great Sides For Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the tangy dressing and rich salami, cutting through the salad's bold flavors with bright acidity.
• Serve Crusty Artisan Bread: Rustic Italian bread provides a delightful textural contrast, allowing diners to soak up extra dressing and enhance the salad's Mediterranean essence.
• Match Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refreshing and light, sparkling water with a lemon wedge cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the salad's complex flavor profile.
• Complement with Chilled Prosecco: Bubbly and slightly sweet, Prosecco adds a celebratory touch while balancing the salad's savory ingredients and zesty vinaigrette.

Storing Famous La Scala Chopped Salad With Care

• Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping dressing and salad separate to prevent soggy lettuce.
• Not recommended due to high water content in lettuce and cheese, which will cause texture breakdown and watery consistency.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, drain excess liquid and gently toss ingredients to redistribute dressing and restore crispness.
• Add fresh lettuce or crisp greens to revitalize day-old salad and enhance texture when reheating is not suitable.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Questions Answered

• What makes La Scala chopped salad unique?

The signature blend of iceberg and romaine lettuce with Italian salami and chickpeas creates a distinctive texture and flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional salads.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, the salad offers a balanced mix of protein from chickpeas and salami, fresh vegetables, and a light vinaigrette dressing, making it a nutritious meal option.

• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The vinaigrette can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days before using, which helps develop deeper flavors.

• Do I need any special skills to make this salad?

No, this recipe is very simple and requires basic chopping and whisking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

La Scala’s legendary chopped salad brings Italian culinary magic to your kitchen with crisp lettuce, salami, provolone, and zesty pepperoncini. Each refreshing bite delivers bold flavors that transport diners straight to a charming Milan restaurant, where you’ll savor every delicious moment.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1/4 pound (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Vegetables and Greens:

• 1 head iceberg lettuce (5–6 cups)
• 1 head romaine lettuce (4–5 cups)
• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas
• 2 cloves garlic

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a zesty vinaigrette by blending olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely chopped garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small container.
2. Vigorously whisk or shake the mixture until the ingredients emulsify and form a smooth, well-integrated dressing.
3. Integrate Pecorino Romano cheese into the vinaigrette, stirring to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the liquid.
4. Chop iceberg and romaine lettuce into fine, uniform pieces in a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Add drained chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the lettuce mixture.
6. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Gently toss the salad using folding motions to prevent bruising the lettuce and distribute the dressing and ingredients thoroughly.
8. Plate the salad immediately to maintain crisp texture and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor.

Notes

• Customize the dressing by adjusting the garlic intensity to match your taste preferences, using less or more minced garlic.
• For a lighter version, replace salami with grilled chicken or roasted turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining protein.
• Enhance the salad’s crunch by adding toasted pine nuts or crispy croutons for extra texture and depth of flavor.
• Make the salad gluten-free by substituting salami with gluten-free deli meat and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 598 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1050 mg
• Fat: 47 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 31 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg