The first time I tried a La Scala Chopped Salad, it felt like I had taken a bite out of Hollywood itself. This sensational dish, famous among celebrities for its refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors, has quickly become my go-to for meal prep. With a delightful combination of finely chopped romaine, savory salami, and protein-rich chickpeas, this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is not just easy to prepare but also perfect for impressing friends at gatherings. In under 15 minutes, you can enjoy a luxurious-tasting meal that’s both vegetarian-friendly and versatile, allowing for endless customization. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into creating this timeless favorite!
Why is This Salad a Must-Try?
Celebrity Influence: This salad, adored by Hollywood stars, brings a touch of glamour to your table.
Quick & Easy: With just under 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for anyone strapped for time.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with substitutes like turkey salami or avocado to suit your preferences.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of crunchy romaine, savory salami, and zesty dressing is incredibly satisfying.
Meal Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead, you can enjoy it for lunch throughout the week. Check out my Ahead Salad Crowd for more meal prep ideas!
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Ingredients
• To make your very own Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients!
For the Salad
- Romaine Lettuce – Provides a refreshing crunch; substitute with iceberg for a milder flavor.
- Genoa Salami – Adds savory and rich flavor; turkey salami is a lighter option.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Offers creaminess and protein; diced avocado is a great dairy-free alternative.
- Chickpeas – Provide protein and texture; white beans can be used as a substitute if desired.
For the Dressing
- Olive Oil – Base for the dressing that adds richness; avocado oil makes for a different flavor profile.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the flavors; balsamic vinegar will add sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard – Enhances flavor with its tanginess; whole grain mustard can add texture.
- Oregano – Brings a Mediterranean herb note; fresh oregano can be substituted for dried.
Let’s whip up this vibrant salad that brings a taste of Hollywood right to your dining table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by finely chopping 4 cups of romaine lettuce, 4 ounces of Genoa salami, and 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and drain 1 can of chickpeas, ensuring they are well dried. Arrange your freshly chopped ingredients on a clean cutting board or large plate to keep everything organized and visually appealing.
Step 2: Make Dressing
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This zesty dressing should have a smooth consistency, blending the oil and vinegar nicely, so whisk until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced salami, shredded mozzarella, and rinsed chickpeas. Gently toss these delicious ingredients together, allowing their flavors to mingle. Make sure that the larger pieces are evenly distributed for an irresistible salad that showcases the vibrant colors and textures of these ingredients.
Step 4: Dress Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, ensuring every ingredient gets a generous coating. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad until well combined, making sure the dressing clings to all the components. Aim for a shiny appearance on all ingredients, indicating each piece is nicely dressed.
Step 5: Rest (Optional)
For enhanced flavor, let the salad rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This short time allows the ingredients to soak in the dressing better, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. If time allows, cover the salad with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit on the counter, which helps to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, give the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad one final toss to redistribute any settled dressing. Spoon it onto individual plates or a large serving bowl, letting the vibrant colors shine through. This refreshing salad can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken for a delightful meal.
What to Serve with Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Looking to create a full dining experience that dazzles the senses? Pair your salad with these delightful companions!
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, grilled chicken adds protein and can elevate the meal into a more substantial affair. A squeeze of lemon on top can brighten both dishes!
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for mopping up any remaining dressing, enhancing the comforting feel of the meal. Plus, who can resist dipping bread in a zesty vinaigrette?
- Roasted Vegetables: Add depth with colorful roasted veggies, bringing a sweet and savory balance that complements the salad’s freshness. Consider carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vibrant touch!
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: This delicious side is indulgent yet comforting, providing a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy crispness of the salad.
- Chilled White Wine: A light, refreshing white wine will enhance the zesty flavors of the salad without overpowering it. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices!
- Fruit Salad: A light dessert or side option, fresh fruit salad offers a delightful contrast with sweetness that harmonizes with the savory elements of the chopped salad.
- Stuffed Peppers: Add these hearty and flavorful peppers filled with rice and cheese for an exciting twist. Their satisfying flavors play harmoniously with the salad.
- Caprese Skewers: These bright, vibrant appetizers packed with mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes offer a fresh burst that pairs incredibly well as a starter before your salad.
- Tzatziki Dip: This refreshing yogurt-based dip is perfect alongside pita chips, bringing in a cooling effect that can balance the salad’s zesty dressing wonderfully.
- Lemon Sorbet: For a sweet ending, serve a light lemon sorbet. Its citrusy notes echo the salad’s dressing and cleanse the palate beautifully!
Make Ahead Options
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is ideal for meal prep, allowing you to savor its fresh flavors throughout the week! You can chop the romaine lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and rinse the chickpeas up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crunch. For maximum freshness, keep the dressing separate and whisk it together just before serving. This way, your salad will remain vibrant and crisp. When ready to enjoy, simply combine the prepped ingredients, pour over the dressing, and toss to perfection. You’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
-
Consistent Chopping: Ensure all ingredients are chopped uniformly to achieve a balanced flavor in every bite. Uneven pieces can disrupt the texture.
-
Resting Time Matters: Allow the salad to rest for at least 30 minutes after dressing. This lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
-
Dressing Separately: Always prepare and mix the dressing separately. Add it to the salad just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch of the romaine.
-
Customize Wisely: Feel free to play with ingredients based on your preferences. Just keep in mind that swapping too many items may alter the essence of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.
-
Make-Ahead Tips: If prepping in advance, keep salad components separate from the dressing. Combine them just before serving for optimal freshness.
Storage Tips for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
-
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day to maintain freshness. Parts of the salad can lose their crunch over time, especially with the dressing mixed in.
-
Dressing: If you’ve made the dressing ahead of time, keep it separate in a jar or small container. It will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge, ready to elevate your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.
-
Freezer: While not recommended, if you must freeze, separate the salad components. Chickpeas can be frozen for up to 3 months, but lettuce and mozzarella do not thaw well—fresh is best!
-
Reheating: If you’ve stored any cooked ingredients separately, gently reheat them on the stove or microwave. Avoid reheating the salad itself; serve it cold for optimal taste and texture.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Variations
Unlock the endless potential of your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad with these delightful twists that promise to amplify flavors and textures!
-
Veggie-Rich: Add diced bell peppers for a burst of sweetness and vibrant color, enhancing both the crunch and visual appeal.
-
Hearty Addition: Include artichoke hearts for an exciting twist that brings a Mediterranean essence to this favorite dish.
-
Zesty Kick: Drizzle with a splash of lemon juice right before serving for an extra layer of brightness that will awaken your taste buds.
-
Savory Swap: Use turkey salami instead of Genoa salami for a lighter option, keeping the savory essence while trimming down on fats. It’s a great way to enjoy your salad without compromising flavor.
-
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out shredded mozzarella for creamy diced avocado, creating a luscious finish and making the salad entirely dairy-free.
-
Dress It Up: Experiment with your favorite dressing; try a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing twist or even a spicy sriracha-infused dressing to add a bit of heat.
-
Crunchy Texture: Toss in some toasted nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
-
Flavorful Herbs: Replace dried oregano with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a vibrant pop of freshness that truly shines in this classic recipe.
These variations not only keep your salad interesting but can also turn any meal into a culinary adventure. If you’re looking for more exciting salad ideas, don’t forget to check out my Cranberry Pretzel Salad for a sweet twist on tradition, and explore the alluring options in my Ahead Salad Crowd collection!
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe FAQs
What type of romaine lettuce should I use?
Absolutely! Choose crisp, dark green romaine heads for the best flavor and texture. Avoid heads with wilting leaves or dark spots all over. If you can’t find romaine, iceberg lettuce is a good milder alternative!
How should I store leftover Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. However, to maintain freshness and crunch, store the ingredients separately from the dressing. Mixed salads tend to lose their delightful crunch when chilled for too long.
Can I freeze the leftovers from this salad?
Very! While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, if needed, you can freeze cooked chickpeas for up to 3 months. Unfortunately, I don’t recommend freezing romaine lettuce or mozzarella cheese as they do not maintain their texture and quality after thawing.
How do I ensure my salad dressing is well-balanced?
I recommend whisking the dressing ingredients together until smooth, and always tasting before adding to your salad. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra splash of vinegar as needed. If it’s too tangy, a touch of honey can balance the acidity nicely!
Are there any dietary considerations for this salad?
Indeed! This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad contains cheese and salami, making it not suitable for vegans. For those with lactose intolerance, substitute mozzarella with diced avocado for creaminess without dairy. Always check ingredient labels to avoid allergens like gluten or nuts!
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad: A Bite of Hollywood Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Finely chop romaine lettuce, Genoa salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Rinse and drain chickpeas.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano. Season to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped romaine, sliced salami, shredded mozzarella, and chickpeas. Toss gently.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss until well combined.
- Let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Serve the salad on individual plates or a large serving bowl.
Leave a Reply