Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Want a salad that’s famous for a reason? The La Scala chopped salad is fresh, simple, and totally crave-worthy. One bite and you’ll get it.

It’s packed with crisp greens, salami, cheese, and a bright, tangy dressing. Every bite is crunchy, savory, and full of flavor. Super simple, super good.

Perfect for lunches, light dinners, or a fancy side dish. Fast to toss together. Fancy without the fuss.

Let’s grab a big bowl and get chopping. Salad magic is just a few minutes away!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Iconic and Timeless: This isn’t just any chopped salad. It’s a classic, trusted by generations for its unforgettable flavor.
• Fresh and Satisfying: Crisp lettuce, protein-packed beans, and creamy cheese offer a perfect balance of textures.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 20 minutes with just a handful of fresh ingredients.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Holds up well for lunches, light dinners, or entertaining guests.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings:
Serves about 4 people as a main course or 6 people as a side dish.

Difficulty:
Very easy — perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, reliable salad recipe.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Small whisk or fork (for dressing)
• Salad tongs or large spoon (for tossing)

Ingredients for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to recreate this iconic dish:

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, rinsed, dried, and finely chopped
• 1/4 pound Italian salami, thinly sliced and julienned
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and well-drained

Dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

Variations for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Use Different Meats: Try substituting the salami with turkey, ham, or even roasted chicken for a lighter version.
• Cheese Swap: Swap mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or fresh burrata for a different flavor profile.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or roasted red peppers for extra color and crunch.
• Vegan Option: Skip the salami and cheese and load up with extra beans and avocado slices for a satisfying plant-based meal.
• Spice It Up: Add a few pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Lettuce

Start by rinsing the iceberg lettuce thoroughly under cold water. Pat it completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Finely chop the lettuce into small, bite-sized pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl.

2. Slice the Salami

Stack the salami slices on top of each other. Using a sharp knife, cut them into thin strips (julienne style) so they’re easy to scoop with a fork.

3. Add the Cheese and Beans

Add the shredded mozzarella and the drained garbanzo beans into the bowl with the lettuce.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified. Stir in the grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.

5. Toss Everything Together

Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss everything together until every piece is lightly coated in the vinaigrette.

6. Serve

Scoop the salad into bowls or plates, making sure to evenly distribute the salami, cheese, and beans. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

This salad shines brightest when it’s freshly made. Here are a few ways you can enjoy it:

• Main Course Salad: Serve generous portions for a filling lunch or light dinner.
• Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or a hearty pasta for a complete meal.
• Elegant Plating: For special occasions, serve it in shallow bowls and sprinkle a little extra grated cheese on top for a polished finish.
• Entertaining: Serve in a large, clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers — it makes a stunning centerpiece for buffets or potlucks.

Storing Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Undressed Salad: Store the chopped lettuce, salami, cheese, and beans separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Keep the vinaigrette in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir before using.
• Dressed Salad: If already tossed with dressing, it’s best eaten the same day. Leftovers can be stored for up to 24 hours but may lose some crispness.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Dry the Lettuce Well: Wet lettuce will water down the dressing and make the salad soggy. Take a few extra minutes to dry it completely.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this salad is so simple, quality matters. Good salami, real extra-virgin olive oil, and freshly grated cheese make a big difference.
• Chop Everything Small: Keeping all ingredients chopped into similar, small pieces ensures you get a bit of everything in every bite.
• Dress Right Before Serving: To keep the lettuce crisp, toss the salad with the dressing just before you plan to serve it.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	14 g
Fat	24 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	11 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	850 mg
Cholesterol	35 mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can chop and prepare the ingredients ahead, but for the best texture, toss everything together with the dressing right before serving.

What can I use instead of garbanzo beans?
If you prefer, you can swap garbanzo beans with white beans like cannellini or even black beans for a different twist.

Is it possible to make the dressing dairy-free?
Yes. Simply leave out the Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese in the dressing. You can add nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.

Can I use bagged lettuce instead of a whole head?
You can, but freshly chopped iceberg lettuce will have a better crunch and fresher taste compared to pre-bagged mixes.

Conclusion

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Crisp, savory, creamy, and tangy—all balanced beautifully in one bowl. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a stylish get-together, this salad never disappoints.

Take your time chopping, whisk the dressing with care, and serve it fresh. You’ll be amazed how something so easy can taste so iconic.