La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Crisp, vibrant, and bursting with layers of flavor, the La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe brings Hollywood glamour straight to your dinner table. This iconic salad has graced the plates of celebrities and food enthusiasts at the famous La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills for decades. The perfect balance of crunchy lettuce, savory salami, tangy cheese, and the unforgettable dressing creates a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite. You’ll learn how to recreate this legendary California classic at home, impressing family and friends with a salad that’s anything but ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The La Scala Chopped Salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s the main event. What makes this recipe special is its perfect harmony of contrasting textures: the crisp lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, while the tender salami offers a satisfying chew. The sharp bite of the cheese balances beautifully with the smooth, garlicky dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.

You’ll appreciate how this salad transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The preparation is straightforward yet yields impressive results, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Unlike many restaurant recreations that fall short at home, this La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe captures the authentic flavor of the Beverly Hills original.

The versatility is another reason to love this salad—it works as a light lunch, a substantial side, or even a complete meal with added protein. Plus, the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, so you won’t need to hunt down specialty items to achieve restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients

For the La Scala Chopped Salad:

• 1 large head iceberg lettuce (about 1½ pounds), finely chopped
• ½ head romaine lettuce (about ¾ pound), finely chopped
• 4 oz. salami, cut into julienne strips
• 4 oz. mozzarella or provolone cheese, cut into julienne strips
• ½ cup garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion

For the Classic La Scala Dressing:

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon sugar

The quality of your lettuce is crucial—look for crisp, fresh heads that feel heavy for their size. Traditional La Scala chopped salad recipe uses a specific Italian dry salami, but any good-quality salami will work. For authentic flavor, use imported Italian provolone or a high-quality whole milk mozzarella.

Pro Tips

The secret to an authentic La Scala Chopped Salad lies in the details. First, the chop is everything—aim for uniformity by cutting all ingredients into small, similar-sized pieces (about ¼-inch). This ensures that every bite contains all the flavors and textures that make this salad special. Many home cooks rush this step, but taking time with your knife work transforms an ordinary salad into the La Scala experience.

Second, properly emulsify your dressing. Rather than just shaking ingredients together, use a blender or food processor to create a temporary emulsion that coats each ingredient evenly. Let your dressing sit for at least 15 minutes before using to allow the flavors to meld—this develops the garlicky, herbaceous notes that define the authentic La Scala salad dressing.

Finally, chill your serving bowls or plates before plating. This restaurant technique keeps your salad crisp longer and elevates the presentation. For the best texture contrast, add the dressing immediately before serving and toss thoroughly but gently to coat every piece without crushing the delicate lettuce.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar. Whisk vigorously until well combined, or shake in a sealed jar until emulsified. Set aside to allow the flavors to develop while you prepare the salad ingredients. The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare the lettuce
Wash both the iceberg and romaine lettuce thoroughly, then dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Any excess moisture will dilute your dressing and result in a soggy salad. Once dry, chop both varieties of lettuce into very small, uniform pieces—about ¼-inch squares. The fine chop is signature to the La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe and essential for the proper texture.

Step 3: Prepare the add-ins
Cut the salami into thin julienne strips, then cut crosswise to create small pieces similar in size to the lettuce. Repeat this process with the cheese, creating uniform small pieces. Rinse and drain the garbanzo beans, and finely chop the red onion. Having all ingredients in similar sizes ensures the perfect bite with multiple flavors and textures.

Step 4: Assemble the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped iceberg and romaine lettuce. Add the salami, cheese, garbanzo beans, and red onion. Gently toss to distribute all ingredients evenly throughout the lettuce.

Step 5: Dress and serve
Just before serving, give your dressing a final whisk or shake, then drizzle about half over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Taste and add more dressing as needed—the lettuce should be lightly coated but not swimming in dressing. The authentic La Scala Chopped Salad is served cold, so chill the plates for an extra-special touch before serving immediately.

Variations

Mediterranean La Scala Salad
Transform the classic La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe with Mediterranean flair by swapping the salami for 4 ounces of chopped grilled chicken and adding ¼ cup each of diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. This variation maintains the signature texture while introducing bright Mediterranean flavors. For the dressing, add ½ teaspoon of dried basil and increase the oregano to 1½ teaspoons.

Vegetarian La Scala Salad
Create a meat-free version by omitting the salami and doubling the garbanzo beans to 1 cup for protein. Add ¼ cup diced roasted red peppers and 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts for depth of flavor and textural contrast. The cheese can remain or be substituted with a plant-based alternative for a fully vegan chopped salad inspired by La Scala. The classic dressing works beautifully with this variation, though you might want to add a touch more garlic.

Protein-Packed La Scala Salad
For a heartier meal, add 4 ounces of diced grilled chicken breast and 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped to match the size of other ingredients. This variation turns the La Scala Chopped Salad into a complete protein-rich meal while maintaining its signature texture and flavor profile.

Storage and Serving

The La Scala Chopped Salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, as the lettuce will begin to wilt once dressed. However, you can prepare all components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store the chopped lettuce with a paper towel in an airtight container to absorb excess moisture. Keep the dressing, chopped vegetables, and proteins in separate containers in the refrigerator, then combine and dress just before serving.

For an elegant presentation, serve this Beverly Hills classic on chilled plates with a slice of crusty sourdough bread on the side. The La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe makes an impressive first course for dinner parties or a satisfying lunch with a glass of crisp white wine.

For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. The salad’s vibrant flavors complement simple proteins beautifully. Alternatively, present it as part of an Italian-inspired buffet alongside antipasto, pasta dishes, and grilled vegetables for a sophisticated spread that will transport your guests to sunny California.

FAQs

Can I make the La Scala dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared up to one week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as the garlic and herbs infuse the oil. Just shake or whisk well before using.

What makes a chopped salad different from a regular salad?
The defining characteristic of the La Scala Chopped Salad is the uniform, small cut of all ingredients. This technique ensures you get every flavor in each bite and allows the dressing to coat each piece evenly, creating a more cohesive and flavorful experience.

Can I use different types of lettuce?
While authentic La Scala Chopped Salad uses iceberg and romaine for their signature crunch, you can substitute with other crisp lettuces like little gem or butter lettuce. Avoid delicate greens like arugula or spring mix, as they won’t provide the necessary structure.

Is there a shortcut for chopping all the ingredients?
A food processor with a pulse function can help with the lettuce, but be careful not to over-process. For the cheese and salami, freezing them for 15 minutes before slicing makes them firmer and easier to cut precisely.

How can I make this salad more substantial for a main course?
Add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna to transform the La Scala Chopped Salad into a satisfying entrée. You can also increase the portion sizes and serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is comfort food at its finest — crisp, refreshing, and bursting with nostalgic Beverly Hills glamour in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary meal into a special occasion, bringing a taste of California culinary history to your table. Whether you’re recreating memories of dining at the iconic restaurant or discovering these flavors for the first time, this salad proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients, when prepared with care and precision, create the most unforgettable meals.

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