Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe: A Summer Classic

Crafting an authentic la scala chopped salad brings incredible flavor to your summer meal planning.

Mediterranean ingredients dance across crisp lettuce in this legendary recipe.

Fresh herbs and zesty dressing create remarkable depth for every bite.

Generations of italian families have cherished similar combinations that spark conversation around dinner tables.

Crunchy textures and bold flavors make this salad more than just a side dish.

Chopped ingredients blend harmoniously, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated salad that celebrates fresh, vibrant ingredients.

La Scala Chopped Salad Full of Freshness

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken or turkey for salami, making this salad adaptable to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Requires minimal prep work and combines fresh ingredients for a restaurant-quality dish that impresses guests without complicated techniques.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chickpeas and salami, crisp vegetables, and balanced with a tangy homemade dressing that delivers maximum flavor in every bite.
• Perfect Party Companion: Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, and casual dinner parties where guests appreciate a vibrant, colorful salad that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Ingredients to Make La Scala Chopped Salad

• Romaine Lettuce: A crisp and fresh green that provides a robust foundation for the salad.
• Iceberg Lettuce: Adds a crunchy texture and light, refreshing element to the salad.

• Salami, Mozzarella: Savory meat and creamy cheese that bring rich flavor and protein to the dish.

• Chickpeas, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: Adds extra layers of texture, sweetness, and a mild sharp bite to complement the main ingredients.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Creates a smooth and tangy base for the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a zesty and slightly spicy undertone to the vinaigrette.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad and dressing with classic seasonings.

Instructions to Toss La Scala Chopped Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-blended dressing.

Set the dressing aside to let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Slice and Dice with Precision

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife.

Finely chop the romaine and iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the salami and mozzarella into small, uniform cubes that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.

Step 3: Create a Colorful Salad Base

• Romaine lettuce
• Iceberg lettuce
• Salami
• Mozzarella
• Chickpeas
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion

Gently mix these ingredients to create a vibrant and textured salad foundation.

Step 4: Dress and Toss with Flair

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.

Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss the salad carefully to ensure every ingredient gets a perfect coating of the zesty dressing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Transfer the dressed salad to individual serving plates or a large platter.

Serve right away to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables and the vibrant flavors of the dressing.

Tips to Boost La Scala Chopped Salad Flavor

• Choose crisp, fresh lettuce heads for the best texture and crunch in your salad.
• Chill ingredients beforehand to keep the salad cool and refreshing, especially during warm days.
• Slice salami and mozzarella into uniform, small cubes for even distribution and better bite.
• Adjust dressing quantity based on personal preference, adding gradually to prevent over-saturating the salad.
• Prepare ingredients just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and prevent wilting of lettuce.

Variations to Customize La Scala Chopped Salad

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace salami with grilled tofu or tempeh, keeping the same chopping technique and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Option: Eliminate chickpeas and substitute with roasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for added crunch and protein.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use a wheat-free Dijon mustard in the dressing for sensitive individuals.

Pairings That Work Well With La Scala Salad

• Select a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the salad's rich salami and tangy dressing, cutting through the fatty elements while enhancing the fresh vegetable flavors.
• Serve a crusty ciabatta or focaccia alongside the salad, allowing diners to soak up the delicious dressing and add a satisfying textural contrast to the chopped ingredients.
• Add a refreshing lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, providing a clean, light accompaniment that balances the salad's robust flavors.

Storage Advice to Keep La Scala Salad Crisp

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy ingredients.
• Ingredient Separation: Store lettuce, meats, and cheese in different compartments to maintain crispness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheating: Gently warm salami and chickpeas in a skillet for 1-2 minutes, then mix with fresh crisp lettuce to revive the salad's texture.
• Dressing Refresh: Whisk the dressing again before adding to revive flavors and ensure even coating when serving leftovers.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this La Scala Chopped Salad unique?

The combination of salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, and two types of lettuce creates a hearty and flavorful salad with multiple textures and protein sources.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s protein-packed from chickpeas and salami, includes fresh vegetables, and uses a light olive oil and vinegar dressing, making it a nutritious meal option.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best served immediately to maintain crispness, but you can prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep vegetables fresh and crunchy.

• How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Replace salami with grilled tofu or tempeh, and keep the mozzarella for protein, or use plant-based cheese for a complete vegetarian version.

Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

La scala chopped salad emerges as a culinary gem from Italian-American kitchens. Crisp ingredients and zesty dressing create a perfect harmony, inviting diners to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• 2 cups (480 ml) iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 g) salami, diced
• 1/2 cup (120 g) mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded
• 1/3 cup (60 g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup (40 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing vessel until emulsified and smooth.
2. Meticulously slice romaine and iceberg lettuce into uniform, delicate ribbons using a sharp culinary knife.
3. Dice salami and mozzarella into precise, bite-sized cubes that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
4. Transfer chopped lettuce varieties into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a verdant base for the salad composition.
5. Layer diced salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion atop the lettuce foundation.
6. Cascade the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients, gently tossing with culinary tongs to ensure comprehensive and uniform coating.
7. Allow salad to rest momentarily, permitting flavors to meld and integrate for approximately 2-3 minutes before serving.
8. Present immediately to preserve crisp textures and vibrant ingredient characteristics, ensuring optimal gustatory experience.

Notes

• Customize the salad by swapping salami with grilled chicken or tofu for a lighter protein option.
• Enhance the texture by toasting chickpeas before adding them to create a delightful crunch.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain maximum freshness and prevent soggy lettuce.
• For a low-carb version, replace chickpeas with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or cucumber.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 33 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg