When the sun shines bright and your cravings turn towards something fresh and vibrant, there’s nothing quite like the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad to transport you to the glamour of Hollywood. Just picture a delightful mix of crisp romaine, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed together with a zesty vinaigrette that brings it to life. This dish isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that could easily be served at an upscale restaurant, but here’s the secret—it comes together in just 15 minutes!
Perfect for those busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, this meal-prep-friendly recipe allows you to customize ingredients to suit your taste while offering the satisfaction of a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re looking to impress or simply enjoy a taste of celebrity life at home, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is your ticket to deliciousness. Let’s dive into creating this Hollywood favorite!
Why is the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad irresistible?
Epic Flavor Explosion: Crisp romaine and zesty salami unite in a vibrant blend that sings on your palate.
Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable Goodness: Feel free to personalize it with your favorite toppings, whether that’s avocado or grilled chicken.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with fresh ingredients, this salad provides a nutritious balance that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Celebrity Inspiration: Inspired by a Hollywood favorite, you’ll feel like a star serving this glamorous dish at your table.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Romaine Lettuce – Provides a crunchy base; feel free to use mixed greens for more texture.
• Genoa Salami – Adds savory protein; turkey salami can be swapped for a leaner option.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Introduces creaminess; try feta for a tangy twist instead.
• Chickpeas – Offers hearty substance and fiber; black beans can be used for a different flavor.
For the Vinaigrette
• Olive Oil – Acts as the rich base for the dressing; avocado oil works well as a substitute.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Provides zesty tang; you can use white wine vinegar for milder acidity.
• Dijon Mustard – Enhances the dressing with a bit of kick; yellow mustard is a good substitute in a pinch.
• Oregano – Adds herby depth; Italian seasoning can replace it for a similar finish.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning; sea salt and freshly ground pepper yield the best flavor.
Enjoy bringing the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad to life with these ingredients, and customize it to your heart’s content!
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
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Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold water.
Chop it finely, ensuring uniform pieces for an even texture in every bite. -
Dice the Genoa salami into small cubes.
Make sure the pieces are similar in size for balanced flavor throughout the salad. -
Shred the mozzarella cheese.
You can use a grater or knife to create bite-sized pieces that mix well with the other ingredients. -
Rinse and drain the chickpeas.
Adding them to the salad mix provides hearty substance and boosts the fiber content. -
Combine the vinaigrette ingredients in a separate bowl.
Mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until well-emulsified. -
Toss the vinaigrette over the chopped salad ingredients.
Stir gently to coat everything evenly with that zesty dressing—this is where the magic happens! -
Rest the salad for 5-10 minutes before serving.
This allows the ingredients to soak in the flavors and meld beautifully together.
Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for an extra touch of freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
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Uniform Cuts: Ensure all ingredients are cut into similar sizes to provide consistent flavor and texture, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.
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Emulsified Dressing: Whisk the vinaigrette thoroughly to achieve a well-emulsified dressing, ensuring it clings to the salad ingredients beautifully for maximum flavor.
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Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients you can find; quality matters in a simple dish to elevate your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad beyond expectations.
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Let It Rest: Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes after tossing with dressing; this gives flavors time to marry, creating a more harmonious dish.
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Customize Wisely: Feel free to adjust ingredients based on personal preference, like adding seasonal veggies or proteins, but keep the balance of flavors in mind for the best outcome.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Variations
Feel free to transform this classic Italian-American dish into something uniquely yours with these delightful twists!
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Avocado Boost: Add chopped avocado for creaminess and healthy fats that enhance flavor and texture.
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Grilled Chicken: Substitute salami with grilled chicken for a leaner protein option, making it perfect for a post-workout meal.
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Feta Cheese: Swap shredded mozzarella for feta to introduce a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
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Seasonal Veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added freshness and crunch; they’ll bring vibrant color to the mix.
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Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños to introduce a spicy kick, elevating the dish to a whole new level of flavor.
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Mediterranean Twist: Use kalamata olives for a briny addition, enriching the salad with deep, savory notes that complement the dressing perfectly.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of oregano for a fragrant twist that brightens the flavor profile.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an unexpected crunchy texture that gives your salad delightful contrast.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in advance is a fantastic way to save time during your busy week! You can chop the romaine lettuce, dice the Genoa salami, shred the mozzarella, and rinse the chickpeas up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The vinaigrette can also be made in advance and kept for up to 3 days in the fridge; just whisk it again before use to ensure it’s well-emulsified. When ready to serve, combine all the prepped ingredients and toss with the dressing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a delicious, ready-to-enjoy salad with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
Pair this delightful, vibrant salad with enticing dishes to create a meal that’s both hearty and refreshing.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky flavor of grilled shrimp enhances the fresh ingredients while adding a satisfying protein boost.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any leftover vinaigrette, making for a comforting accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: Crispy roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers complement the salad’s freshness, offering sweetness and a burst of color.
- Caprese Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad filled with fresh tomatoes and basil mirrors the Italian roots of the chopped salad for a harmonious pairing.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc elevates this meal, bringing out the salad’s vibrant vinaigrette and flavors.
- Fruit Sorbet: For a light dessert, a refreshing fruit sorbet offers a sweet end and contrasts beautifully against the zesty salad.
Create a complete, satisfying dining experience by pairing these favorites with the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad!
How to Store and Freeze Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
- Room Temperature: This salad is best enjoyed fresh; it should not be left out for more than 2 hours to maintain optimum taste and safety.
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for best results.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of ingredients like lettuce and chickpeas, which may become mushy once thawed.
- Reheating: If you’ve added grilled chicken or other proteins, gently reheat them in the microwave before adding them back to the salad, but avoid reheating the salad itself.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best romaine lettuce for this salad?
Absolutely! Look for romaine heads that are crisp and have vibrant green leaves, avoiding any with dark spots or wilting. Freshness is key—make sure it feels firm to the touch and that the outer leaves are not yellowing or damaged.
How should I store leftovers of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s always best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, the ingredients remain crisp and won’t become soggy!
Can I freeze the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the texture of romaine lettuce and chickpeas can become mushy after thawing. Instead, prepare the salad ingredients fresh and mix them with the dressing when you’re ready to enjoy it. For a quick meal, consider freezing the chopped vegetables separately and thawing them in advance.
What if my dressing separates? How do I fix it?
If your vinaigrette separates, don’t worry! Simply give it a good whisk or shake in a sealed jar until it’s well combined again. For a creamier finish, you can add a teaspoon of water to help emulsify the dressing further. Remember, ensuring your dressing is well mixed before tossing it with the salad will ensure your ingredients are evenly coated!
Is the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad gluten-free?
Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just be mindful of any substitutes, like using gluten-free mustard or ensuring the salami is gluten-free as well. Always double-check labels to be certain.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad: A Quick Hollywood Classic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold water. Chop it finely, ensuring uniform pieces for an even texture in every bite.
- Dice the Genoa salami into small cubes. Make sure the pieces are similar in size for balanced flavor throughout the salad.
- Shred the mozzarella cheese. You can use a grater or knife to create bite-sized pieces that mix well with the other ingredients.
- Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Adding them to the salad mix provides hearty substance and boosts the fiber content.
- Combine the vinaigrette ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until well-emulsified.
- Toss the vinaigrette over the chopped salad ingredients. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with that zesty dressing.
- Rest the salad for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to soak in the flavors and meld beautifully together.