Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

The crisp, finely diced vegetables and savory Italian flavors of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe create a symphony of textures that have made this iconic dish a Hollywood legend. This isn’t just any chopped salad—it’s the celebrity-endorsed masterpiece that has graced the tables of Beverly Hills’ elite for decades at the renowned La Scala restaurant. The perfect balance of tangy vinaigrette, crunchy lettuce, and protein-rich ingredients creates an unforgettable dining experience that you can now recreate at home. You’ll learn how to master the precise chopping technique, create the signature dressing, and serve this legendary La Scala Chopped Salad just like the iconic Beverly Hills establishment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe has earned its reputation for good reason. The magic lies in the meticulous preparation—every ingredient is diced to the exact same size, allowing you to get the perfect bite every time. The contrast between the crisp lettuce, creamy cheese, and tender salami creates a textural wonderland that keeps your palate engaged from first bite to last.

What makes this chopped salad recipe truly special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weekday lunch. The iconic dressing—a perfectly balanced blend of mustard, oregano, and red wine vinegar—ties everything together with a tangy punch that’s simply addictive.

Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that this salad delivers tremendous flavor while still being relatively light. The combination of protein and vegetables creates a satisfying meal that won’t leave you hungry an hour later. Best of all, the preparation technique actually improves the flavor, making this an ideal make-ahead dish that only gets better as it sits.

Ingredients

For the La Scala Chopped Salad:

• 1 large head iceberg lettuce (about 1½ pounds), finely chopped
• 1 large head romaine lettuce (about 1 pound), finely chopped
• ½ pound salami, cut into ¼-inch dice (use high-quality Genoa for authentic flavor)
• ½ pound provolone cheese, cut into ¼-inch dice
• 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
• ½ cup finely chopped red onion

For the signature dressing:

• ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil (use a good quality oil for best results)
• 1 clove garlic, minced

The key to authentic La Scala Chopped Salad is using fresh ingredients and taking the time to chop everything uniformly. The salami should be firm enough to dice cleanly, and the provolone should be the dry, aged variety rather than the soft deli-style.

Pro Tips

Chopping Technique: The defining feature of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is the fine, uniform dice of all ingredients. Use a sharp chef’s knife and take your time to cut everything into pieces no larger than ¼-inch. This isn’t just for aesthetics—it ensures that every bite contains all the flavors and textures of the salad. For the lettuces, stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade) before chopping crosswise.

Dressing Emulsion: For the perfect dressing, combine all ingredients except the olive oil first. Then slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking vigorously to create a stable emulsion. This prevents separation and ensures the dressing coats every piece of the salad evenly. If you have an immersion blender, this is the perfect opportunity to use it for an extra-smooth dressing.

Marination Magic: Unlike most salads that wilt quickly once dressed, the La Scala Chopped Salad actually improves with a brief marination period. Toss the salad with dressing 15-30 minutes before serving, which allows the flavors to meld and the lettuce to slightly soften while maintaining its crunch. This is why the original La Scala restaurant can pre-dress their famous salad without compromising quality.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lettuces
Start by thoroughly washing both the iceberg and romaine lettuces. Remove any wilted outer leaves and pat completely dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Excess moisture will dilute your dressing and make your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad soggy. Once dry, remove the cores and finely chop both lettuces into pieces no larger than ¼-inch. The signature texture of this salad comes from this fine, uniform chop, so take your time with this step. Place the chopped lettuce in your largest mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Protein and Cheese
Cut the salami into ¼-inch dice. For easier cutting, place the salami in the freezer for 10-15 minutes first to firm it up. Do the same with the provolone cheese, aiming for the same ¼-inch dice size. The uniformity is what makes every bite of this La Scala Chopped Salad perfectly balanced. Add both to the bowl with the lettuce.

Step 3: Add Remaining Salad Ingredients
Drain and rinse the garbanzo beans, then add them to the salad bowl. Finely chop the red onion and add it as well. If you find raw onion too strong, soak the chopped pieces in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding—this mellows the flavor while maintaining the crunch.

Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk to combine. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create an emulsion. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. The dressing should be tangy with a good balance of acidity and richness.

Step 5: Toss and Serve
Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. The fine chop of the ingredients makes it easier for the dressing to coat each piece. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld—this is a signature step in the authentic La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. Before serving, taste and add more dressing if needed. Serve chilled on cold plates for the full restaurant experience.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Transform your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad into a Mediterranean feast by swapping the salami for 1 cup of diced grilled chicken and adding ½ cup of diced cucumber, ¼ cup of kalamata olives, and ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese. This variation maintains the chopped salad technique while introducing bright Mediterranean flavors that complement the original dressing beautifully.

Vegetarian Adaptation: For a meat-free version of this chopped salad recipe, simply omit the salami and add 1 cup of diced roasted red peppers and ½ cup of chopped artichoke hearts. The additional vegetables provide new flavor dimensions while maintaining the protein content with the chickpeas and cheese. This version is equally satisfying and perfect for vegetarian guests.

California Upgrade: Add ½ cup of diced avocado and ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts just before serving for a California-inspired twist. The creamy avocado adds richness, while the pine nuts contribute a delightful textural contrast. This variation has become popular among modern adaptations of the La Scala Chopped Salad while still honoring the original’s precise preparation methods.

Storage and Serving

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Unlike most dressed salads, it actually improves after a few hours as the flavors meld together. If making ahead, consider reserving a small portion of the dressing to refresh the salad just before serving.

For an elegant presentation, serve the La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe on chilled plates with additional dressing on the side. At the original restaurant, this salad is often served with warm, crusty Italian bread and a glass of crisp white wine—a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.

This salad also makes an excellent foundation for a larger meal. Serve alongside grilled chicken, seared salmon, or a simple pasta dish for a complete dinner. For a casual lunch option, stuff the salad into a pita pocket or wrap it in a large tortilla with an extra drizzle of dressing for a portable meal that won’t disappoint.

FAQs

Can I make the La Scala Chopped Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe actually benefits from being made 1-2 hours ahead of time. The dressing has time to penetrate the ingredients, enhancing the flavor. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

What’s the secret to getting the texture right?
The key is chopping all ingredients to a uniform size (about ¼-inch dice) and thoroughly drying the lettuce before chopping. This ensures the perfect texture that made the La Scala Chopped Salad famous.

Can I substitute the meats and cheeses?
Absolutely. While the original uses salami and provolone, you can substitute turkey, ham, or chicken for the meat and any firm cheese like cheddar or swiss for the provolone while maintaining the authentic experience.

Is there a shortcut for all the chopping?
A food processor with a dicing attachment can help, but be careful not to over-process. The controlled, hand-chopped texture is what makes this chopped salad recipe special. If using a food processor, pulse in very short bursts.

How can I make this salad more substantial?
Add more protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs. You can also serve it in a large hollowed-out tomato or avocado half for an impressive presentation that adds extra nutrients.

Conclusion

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is Italian-American cuisine at its finest — a perfect symphony of textures and flavors that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results when prepared with care and precision. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary meal into a special occasion, bringing a touch of Beverly Hills glamour to your dining table. The time spent meticulously chopping each ingredient pays off in a harmonious blend that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re recreating a taste memory from a visit to the iconic restaurant or discovering this legendary salad for the first time, this recipe delivers an authentic experience worthy of its famous name.

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