This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad brings together crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and nutty chickpeas tossed in a tangy Pecorino Romano dressing. It’s the perfect blend of freshness and bold flavors, making it a go-to dish for lunch, dinner, or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required.
Bursting with Flavor: The tangy Pecorino Romano dressing elevates every bite.
Versatile: Works perfectly as a light main course or a complementary side dish.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools

Large Mixing Bowl: To toss all the salad ingredients.
Small Bowl or Jar: For preparing the dressing.
Sharp Knife: For thinly slicing the salami and shredding the lettuce (if not pre-shredded).
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise proportions for the dressing.
Whisk or Jar Lid: For emulsifying the dressing ingredients.

Preparation Tips

Chill the Lettuce: Keep your lettuce in the fridge before shredding to maintain maximum crunch.
Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensure your lettuce and chickpeas are completely dry to avoid a soggy salad.
Use Fresh Cheese: Grate Pecorino Romano just before mixing the dressing for the best flavor.

Ingredients

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 freshly ground black pepper
⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (Parmesan works as a substitute)

Salad:

1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded (5–6 cups)
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded (4–5 cups)
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the following:
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves minced garlic
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Whisk the ingredients together until emulsified, or seal the jar with a lid and shake vigorously.

2. Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, chickpeas, thinly sliced salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

3. Toss and Serve

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Shortcuts: Save time by using pre-shredded lettuce or pre-grated cheese.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using.
Serving Size: This recipe serves 6 as a side dish or 4 as a main course.

Serving Suggestions

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad shines as a standalone dish or pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here’s how to serve it:

As a Main Dish: Enjoy it as a light yet satisfying meal with a crusty loaf of Italian bread.
For Meal Prep: Pack the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
Party Favorite: Serve in a chilled bowl for gatherings, potlucks, or picnics.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with its simplicity, there are a few things to watch out for to perfect this salad:

Soggy Salad:

Ensure the lettuce and chickpeas are completely dry before tossing. Use a salad spinner if needed.

Overdressing the Salad:

Start with half the dressing, toss, and add more as needed to avoid a soggy texture.

Uneven Shredding:

Shred the lettuce finely for consistent bites. Large chunks can make the salad harder to eat.

Not Tossing Thoroughly:

Toss the salad gently but evenly so the dressing coats every ingredient.

Serving Too Early:

Assemble just before serving to keep the greens crisp and vibrant.

Side Dish Recommendations

Enhance your dining experience by pairing this salad with any of these delicious side dishes:

Garlic Breadsticks

The warm, buttery crunch of breadsticks complements the tangy salad perfectly.

Tomato Basil Soup

A comforting soup adds a cozy element to balance the freshness of the salad.

Grilled Vegetables

A mix of roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers adds a smoky and hearty touch.

Margherita Flatbread

A cheesy flatbread with tomatoes and basil mirrors the Italian-inspired flavors of the salad.

Caprese Skewers

Bite-sized skewers with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil offer a fresh, portable side.

Antipasto Platter

Serve with olives, prosciutto, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers for a traditional Italian pairing.

Lemon Risotto

Creamy and zesty risotto is an elegant complement to the crisp salad.

Crispy Polenta Fries

These golden, salty fries provide a satisfying crunch alongside the salad.

With these options, the La Scala Chopped Salad transforms from a simple dish into a complete and memorable meal for any occasion.

Recipe Tips

Customize the Salad:
Swap salami for turkey, prosciutto, or grilled chicken for different flavor profiles.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the salami and adding roasted red peppers or kalamata olives.
Add texture with croutons, toasted pine nuts, or sunflower seeds.
Enhance the Dressing: For extra zing, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Layer the Ingredients: For a visually appealing presentation, layer the ingredients and toss just before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Storing the Salad:
Keep the salad and dressing separate if preparing ahead. Combine just before serving to maintain crispness.
Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Storing the Dressing:
Refrigerate the dressing in a sealed jar for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce?

Yes! While iceberg and romaine are classic, you can substitute with kale, arugula, or spinach for a different flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of salami?

You can replace salami with turkey, prosciutto, or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, double-check processed items like salami to ensure they are gluten-free.

How long does the dressing last?

The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Shake well before use.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the ingredients separately (shred the lettuce, slice the salami, and make the dressing) and combine just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

What’s a good substitute for Pecorino Romano?

Parmesan or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes if Pecorino Romano is unavailable.

Conclusion

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a timeless dish that delivers bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Its tangy Pecorino Romano dressing, paired with crisp lettuce, creamy mozzarella, and savory salami, makes it a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this salad is guaranteed to impress. Customize it to your liking, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a taste of Italian-inspired perfection.

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