Description
La Scala Chopped Salad is a famous Hollywood recipe known for its fresh, crisp textures and bold, tangy dressing. This vibrant salad combines shredded iceberg and romaine lettuce with chickpeas, Italian salami, mozzarella cheese, and a zesty Pecorino Romano vinaigrette, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt and pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated Parmesan cheese
Salad
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5–6 cups)
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4–5 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Add all dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese—into a small bowl or jar. Whisk together thoroughly or close the lid securely and shake until well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces, drained chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. These ingredients create a hearty and flavorful base for the salad.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing for maximum flavor infusion.
- Serve: Enjoy the La Scala chopped salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture. If preparing in advance, store leftovers in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, keeping any extra dressing separate to maintain salad crispness.
Notes
- Shortcuts: Purchase pre-shredded iceberg and romaine lettuce to save time on chopping and prep.
- Italian Salami: Use authentic Italian salami, not deli lunchmeat or shaved salami. It is typically found near specialty cheeses in grocery stores for the best flavor and texture.
- Storage: Leftover salad is best stored without dressing or with dressing separated to preserve freshness.
