Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

This recreated La Scala chopped salad brings all the fame and flavor of Beverly Hills right to your dinner table. The iconic restaurant's most requested dish features the perfect balance of crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy cheese, and hearty chickpeas all tossed in a zesty dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

I first made this salad for a ladies' lunch gathering and everyone demanded the recipe before they left. Now it's my go to impressive yet effortless dish when I need something that looks fancy but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Fresh iceberg lettuce: The crisp texture is essential for authentic La Scala style. Look for heads that feel heavy for their size
• Italian salami: Provides rich savory notes. Choose a quality brand with visible marbling for best flavor
• Shredded mozzarella: Adds creamy mild flavor that balances the tangy dressing. Fresh mozzarella works too but pat it dry first
• Garbanzo beans: Bring protein and substance. Rinse well to remove excess sodium
• Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the base of our dressing. Use a good quality one as the flavor really comes through
• Red wine vinegar: For brightness and acid. Aged varieties offer more complex flavor
• Dijon mustard: Acts as both flavoring and emulsifier for the dressing
• Pecorino Romano cheese: Adds sharp salty finish that elevates the whole dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dressing:

In a large serving bowl combine olive oil red wine vinegar dijon mustard salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and emulsified. This creates the perfect base that will cling to every ingredient. Add the grated pecorino and whisk again to incorporate completely.

Prepare the Ingredients:

Wash and chop the iceberg lettuce into small uniform pieces about half inch squares. Julienne the salami into thin strips that will distribute throughout the salad. Drain and rinse the garbanzo beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and salt. Gather the shredded mozzarella. Having everything prepped before assembly ensures even distribution of ingredients.

Combine and Serve:

Add all prepared ingredients to the bowl with the dressing. Using tongs or two large spoons gently toss until everything is evenly coated with dressing. The key is thorough but gentle mixing to maintain the texture of each component. Finish with an extra sprinkle of pecorino and fresh cracked pepper before serving immediately.

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This salad reminds me of my first trip to Los Angeles where I splurged on lunch at the actual La Scala. I was skeptical about paying premium prices for "just a salad" but one bite convinced me some recipes truly deserve their legendary status. The garbanzos are my favorite element they add such wonderful texture and substance.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance with one important technique. Prepare all ingredients and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mix the dressing and store it separately as well. When ready to serve simply combine everything in a large bowl and toss. This method prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy while still saving you valuable time when entertaining.

Perfect Modifications

The beauty of this iconic salad lies in its adaptability while maintaining its essence. Turkey can replace salami for a lighter option. Vegetarians can omit the meat entirely and add extra chickpeas or even diced avocado for richness. The cheese can be switched to dairy free alternatives for those with lactose concerns. Whatever substitutions you make keep the chopping technique consistent as the uniform small pieces are what give this salad its signature texture and ensure every bite contains all flavors.

Serving Suggestions

While perfect on its own as a main course this salad pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete meal. For a more substantial dinner add grilled chicken breast sliced thin. I love serving this in individual bowls rather than family style because the beautiful confetti of ingredients deserves to be seen before tossing. For special occasions present it on chilled plates to maintain optimal crispness.

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Once you try this famous recipe, you'll be impressed by how effortlessly sophistication can come to life in a salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make La Scala Chopped Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time, but for best results, keep the ingredients and dressing separate until serving. Chop the lettuce, julienne the salami, and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then toss together just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and texture.

→ What can I substitute for salami to make this vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace the salami with seasoned roasted chickpeas, plant-based pepperoni, or smoked tofu. You could also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts to maintain the complexity of flavors. Remember to also substitute the Pecorino Romano with a vegetarian hard cheese or nutritional yeast.

→ How finely should I chop the lettuce for authentic La Scala style?

For an authentic La Scala experience, chop the iceberg lettuce quite finely, into roughly 1/4-inch pieces. This creates the signature texture where the lettuce integrates perfectly with the other ingredients and picks up the dressing evenly. A sharp knife works best for this task to avoid bruising the lettuce.

→ Can I use different beans instead of garbanzo beans?

Yes, you can substitute other beans for the garbanzo beans. Cannellini beans or white kidney beans would work well and maintain a similar texture. Black beans or kidney beans could also work but will change the flavor profile slightly. Just ensure they're well-rinsed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

→ What makes a proper La Scala style dressing?

The classic La Scala dressing has the perfect balance of oil to acid (about 4:3 ratio) with Dijon mustard for emulsification and complexity. The key is using good quality extra-virgin olive oil, fresh red wine vinegar, and authentic aged Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. The dressing should be well-whisked until slightly thickened, which helps it cling to the finely chopped ingredients.

→ What can I add to make this salad more substantial?

To transform this into a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, turkey, or shrimp. You could also incorporate diced avocado, hard-boiled eggs, or additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers. For extra crunch and flavor, toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds make excellent additions.