This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad comes together in about 30 minutes no kidding! It’s a easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights where you just want something light and refreshing. Tossing everything together is as simple as can be, and let me tell you, your family will love it! Feel free to switch up the ingredients to suit your family’s taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of those odds and ends hanging around. It’s all about simplicity, and this salad checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the key ingredients for this amazing La Scala Chopped Salad, shall we?
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Dijon Mustard (3 teaspoons)
- Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon) and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Pecorino Romano Cheese (⅓ cup, grated)
- Iceberg & Romaine Lettuce (1 head each, shredded)
- Chickpeas (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
- Italian Salami (¼ pound, thinly sliced)
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups)
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake it until it’s nicely combined. You really want all that garlicky goodness to infuse through. Set it aside.
Prep the Salad (15 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce. Then toss in the drained chickpeas, Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. This is where the colors really start to come alive, and the smells? Oh boy!
Combine: Now, pour the dressing over the salad. Toss well to coat everything evenly. You want to make sure it’s not just a drizzle here and there, but beautifully dressed. The salad should shine like a star!
Serve or Store (10 minutes): Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for the flavors to really meld. If you have leftovers, pop it into an airtight container, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m in a rush but still want something that feels special and comforting. The truth is, I’m a real sucker for salads that are easy yet pack a serious punch in flavor. It’s a family favorite that has graced our dinner table for years, and my kids don’t even complain about eating their veggies when this salad is around! And the best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Whether it’s the half-a-cucumber sitting in the fridge or last week’s leftover roasted chicken, this salad adapts beautifully.
If you loved this salad, be sure to check out my Irish Style Coleslaw, my Classic Red Potato Salad, or my Mango Shrimp Salsa!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy : Comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for when you’re scrambling to get dinner on the table. Seriously, it requires minimal effort, and clean-up is a breeze.
Customizable : Use whatever ingredients you have on hand, this salad is essentially a blank canvas! Swap in different cheeses, veggies, or proteins to keep things exciting. I love using seasonal produce, too, which makes it feel fresh.
Comfort Food : This isn’t just any salad; with the savory salami and creamy mozzarella, it feels hearty yet light. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that combines familiar flavors with a fun twist.
Make-Ahead Friendly : You can totally prep the components ahead of time and just toss it together when you’re ready to eat. It’s great for meal prep days.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Salad
Serve it up in big bowls and enjoy alongside some crusty bread or a warm, herby focaccia for a fantastic meal. It’s also great as a side dish for grilled meats or pasta!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate if you want the salad to stay crisp!
Reheating Instructions
This salad is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat! Simply enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Freezer Friendly
Not recommended for freezing since the lettuce will wilt and become mushy. However, all the other components can be prepped ahead and packaged separately for maximum freshness.
With this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in your recipe arsenal, being a culinary whiz on busy nights is easier than ever! The rich, fresh flavors and satisfying crunch will make this one of your new go-to meals. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, embrace the quick and easy!
And there you have it, your new favorite salad recipe! I guarantee it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake it until it’s nicely combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce. Then toss in the drained chickpeas, Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping the dressing separate until ready to eat.