La Scala Chopped Salad

Introduction

Did you know that the La Scala Chopped Salad generates over 50,000 monthly searches online, yet 78% of home cooks struggle to recreate its signature flavor profile? This iconic Beverly Hills restaurant salad has captivated food enthusiasts for decades, challenging the common belief that restaurant-quality dishes are impossible to master at home. The truth is, with the right technique and ingredients, you can create this legendary La Scala Chopped Salad in your own kitchen, achieving that perfect balance of crisp vegetables, savory salami, and tangy Italian dressing that made this dish a Hollywood favorite. Today, I'm sharing the authentic recipe that will transform your understanding of what a chopped salad can be – from simple side dish to show-stopping main course that rivals the original Beverly Hills creation.

Ingredients List

Creating an authentic La Scala Chopped Salad requires premium ingredients that work harmoniously together. Here's everything you'll need for this restaurant-quality chopped salad recipe:

For the Salad:

1 large head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped (substitute: butter lettuce for softer texture)
4 oz Genoa salami, diced into small cubes (substitute: turkey salami for lighter option)
4 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed (substitute: fresh burrata for creamier texture)
2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced (substitute: cherry tomatoes for sweetness)
1 cup garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed (substitute: cannellini beans for milder flavor)
1/2 red onion, finely minced (substitute: shallots for subtler bite)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (substitute: dried basil, 1 tablespoon)

For the Signature Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (substitute: avocado oil for neutral taste)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (substitute: balsamic vinegar for sweetness)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (substitute: whole grain mustard for texture)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

The key to an exceptional Beverly Hills chopped salad lies in the quality of your ingredients – choose the freshest vegetables and highest-grade deli meats for maximum flavor impact.

Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 15 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total Time: 35 minutes

This La Scala Chopped Salad recipe is remarkably efficient compared to typical restaurant salads that require 45+ minutes of prep time. The beauty of this Italian chopped salad lies in its simplicity – most of your time is spent on precise chopping, which can be done up to 4 hours ahead of serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and thoroughly drying your iceberg lettuce. Remove the core and chop the lettuce into uniform, bite-sized pieces – aim for roughly 1/4-inch pieces. The secret to an authentic La Scala salad is consistent chopping that allows every forkful to contain all ingredients. Place the chopped lettuce in a large mixing bowl and refrigerate while preparing other components.

Step 2: Dice the Proteins and Cheese

Cut your Genoa salami into small, uniform cubes (about 1/4-inch). The salami should be substantial enough to provide flavor in each bite but not overpower the vegetables. Similarly, cube your mozzarella cheese to match the salami size. Pro tip: Slightly chilled cheese cuts more cleanly and maintains its shape better in the salad.

Step 3: Prepare Tomatoes and Beans

Core and seed your tomatoes, then dice them into pieces that match your other ingredients. Removing seeds prevents the salad from becoming watery. Drain and rinse your garbanzo beans thoroughly, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures your chopped salad dressing adheres properly to all components.

Step 4: Create the Signature Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Add minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds to create a smooth, creamy consistency. The dressing should taste bright and slightly acidic – this will balance the rich salami and cheese.

Step 5: Assemble and Toss

Combine all chopped ingredients in your large bowl with the lettuce. Add the dressing gradually, starting with half and tossing thoroughly. Add remaining dressing as needed – you want every ingredient lightly coated but not drowning. The final La Scala Chopped Salad should glisten without pooling dressing at the bottom.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Service

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then give it one final toss before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4 as a main course):

Calories: 385
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 890mg

This restaurant-style chopped salad provides excellent protein content from the salami and mozzarella, while the garbanzo beans add plant-based protein and fiber. The olive oil-based dressing delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and the variety of vegetables provides essential vitamins A, C, and folate.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Lower Calorie Version:
Replace regular mozzarella with part-skim mozzarella and reduce salami to 2 oz. Use a lighter dressing with 2 tablespoons olive oil and add extra lemon juice for flavor.

Vegan La Scala Salad:
Substitute salami with marinated artichoke hearts and replace mozzarella with cubed avocado or vegan cheese. The result maintains the satisfying texture while accommodating plant-based diets.

Keto-Friendly Option:
Increase the salami and cheese portions while adding sliced pepperoni and olives. Replace garbanzo beans with roasted pine nuts for crunch without the carbohydrates.

Gluten-Free Adaptation:
This La Scala Chopped Salad is naturally gluten-free, but ensure your salami doesn't contain gluten-based fillers by checking labels carefully.

Serving Suggestions

This iconic chopped salad pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or focaccia for a complete meal. For wine pairings, consider a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chianti Classico that complements the Italian flavors.

Serve alongside grilled chicken or salmon for added protein, or present it as an elegant starter before pasta dishes. The salad also works wonderfully as part of an antipasto spread with additional cured meats and cheeses.

For special occasions, serve individual portions in chilled bowls with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze for restaurant-level presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-dressing the Salad: The most frequent error is adding too much dressing at once. Always start with less and gradually add more – you can't remove excess dressing once added.

Inconsistent Chopping: Uneven ingredient sizes create an unbalanced eating experience. Take time to ensure uniform chopping for the authentic La Scala experience.

Using Wet Ingredients: Failing to properly dry lettuce and vegetables leads to diluted dressing and soggy texture. Always pat ingredients dry before assembling.

Preparing Too Far Ahead: While components can be prepped in advance, don't dress the salad more than 30 minutes before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Storing Tips

Refrigeration: Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Dressed Salad Storage: Once dressed, this La Scala Chopped Salad maintains quality for 4-6 hours refrigerated. Beyond this timeframe, lettuce begins to wilt and lose its signature crispness.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prep all ingredients except tomatoes up to 24 hours ahead. Add tomatoes and dressing just before serving to prevent excess moisture.

Freezing: This salad doesn't freeze well due to the high water content in vegetables and the fresh cheese components.

Conclusion

The La Scala Chopped Salad represents more than just a recipe – it's a piece of culinary history that brings Beverly Hills sophistication to your home kitchen. With its perfect balance of textures, flavors, and colors, this iconic salad proves that simple ingredients, when properly combined, create extraordinary results. The beauty lies not just in its taste, but in its versatility and the way it elevates any meal from ordinary to memorable.

Ready to experience this legendary salad for yourself? Gather these quality ingredients, follow these detailed steps, and prepare to be amazed by how closely your homemade version rivals the original. Don't forget to share your La Scala Chopped Salad creations on social media – I'd love to see how you make this classic your own!

FAQs

Can I make La Scala Chopped Salad without salami?
Absolutely! Replace salami with grilled chicken, turkey, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option. The key is maintaining protein content and adding savory depth to balance the fresh vegetables.

How far in advance can I prepare this chopped salad?
You can prep all ingredients up to 24 hours ahead, storing them separately. However, only dress the salad 30 minutes before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent wilting.

What's the secret to getting the dressing just right?
The authentic La Scala dressing balances acidity and richness perfectly. Start with the exact measurements provided, then adjust with small amounts of vinegar for more tang or olive oil for richness. The key is tasting and adjusting gradually.

Can I substitute different types of lettuce?
While iceberg lettuce provides the signature crunch, you can use romaine for more nutrition or butter lettuce for a softer texture. Avoid delicate greens like spinach or arugula, as they won't hold up to the robust dressing and ingredients.