Name: La Scala Chopped Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-492668H37M8S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 3 teaspoons dijon mustard; 2 small cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Pinch red pepper flakes, optional; 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded; 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded; 1 15oz can chickpeas, drained; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup pepperoncinis, sliced; 4 ounces genoa salami, thinly sliced; 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

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La Scala Chopped Salad is no ordinary salad; it’s a vibrant mix that marries the crunch of fresh veggies with the savory goodness of meats and cheeses. This salad is all about texture and taste, featuring crisp lettuce, hearty chickpeas, and flavorful Genoa salami. The addition of pepperoncinis and Mediterranean-inspired dressing brings a delightful zing that keeps each bite refreshing and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a light main dish on a busy weeknight, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

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I first stumbled upon La Scala Chopped Salad at a charming little Italian eatery while visiting family in Los Angeles. Instantly drawn to its colorful presentation, I knew I had to recreate it at home. Now, this salad has become a staple in my kitchen and a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor—a combination that’s hard to resist. I invite you to try this delightful dish that will transform your meal into something special!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
La Scala Chopped Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 25 minutes to prep, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: A beautiful blend of savory meats and creamy cheese with a tangy dressing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors will make your table look stunning!
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a main dish, side salad, or even for picnics and potlucks.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian palettes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil: Essential for that smooth, luscious dressing. A high-quality oil enhances flavor.
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor; you could substitute with pecorino Romano if desired.
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Offers acidity to balance the oil, but apple cider vinegar works as a substitute.
3 teaspoons dijon mustard: Adds depth and tang, though yellow mustard could work in a pinch.
2 small cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a flavor powerhouse; feel free to use garlic powder if needed.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning is key; substitute with sea salt for similar results.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper enhances flavor; adjust to your taste.
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional: For those who enjoy a kick; you can skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded: Provides a crisp texture; romaine is a great alternative.
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded: Adds a slightly firmer texture; combine with iceberg for variety.
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained: These legumes add protein and heartiness to the salad.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, these make the salad pop visually and flavor-wise.
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a sharp bite; soak in water briefly to mellow if desired.
½ cup pepperoncinis, sliced: Adds tanginess; you can use banana peppers if you prefer milder heat.
4 ounces Genoa salami, thinly sliced: Adds richness; substitute with turkey salami for a lighter option.
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Creamy and mild, it ties together the flavors; provolone also works well.

How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 3 teaspoons dijon mustard, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk together or shake the jar until well blended. Refrigerate until using; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the torn or shredded iceberg and romaine lettuce, chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncinis, and 4 ounces of thinly sliced Genoa salami. Toss these fresh ingredients together gently.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the ingredients are well-coated in the zesty dressing.
Finish with Cheese: To serve, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, letting it nestle into the tossed salad. Enjoy immediately for the best texture!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s best when fresh. Avoid storing it at room temperature for longer than two hours to maintain food safety. This salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the vegetables’ texture, but if you must, it can be refrigerated for 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply toss it to refresh the flavors, but expect some softening of the veggies over time.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overdressing the salad if you plan to have leftovers; this keeps the lettuce fresh and crisp.
Use fresh cheese and oil for the best flavor; both make a noticeable difference!
Experiment with different lettuces or add vegetables like cucumbers or radishes for extra crunch.
Let the salad sit for a few minutes after tossing to allow the flavors to soak in.
Prepping the dressing ahead can save you time on busy weeknights; it lasts up to a week in the fridge.

While this La Scala Chopped Salad is already fabulous, you might find enjoyment in experimenting with additional toppings or ingredients that reflect your personal taste. Play around with flavors, and you may discover your own delightful twist on this refreshing classic. Whether you’re gearing up for a summer picnic or simply craving a vibrant, healthy meal, delicious moments await!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make La Scala Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead but wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the lettuce crisp and prevents sogginess.

What if I don’t have Genoa salami?

That’s completely fine! You can substitute with other cured meats like pepperoni, prosciutto, or even omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s a great salad for meal prep; just keep dressing and salad separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make the La Scala Chopped Salad vegan, simply omit the salami and cheese, and replace regular honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness.

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