La Scala Chopped Salad

Introduction

If you’ve heard of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, then you know it’s one of those recipes that never goes out of style. Known for its crisp ingredients, tangy dressing, and hearty flavors, this salad has been a staple at the famous Beverly Hills restaurant La Scala since the 1950s. Thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian sharing their love for this dish, it’s become a viral sensation that everyone is making at home. With just a few key ingredients, you can enjoy this fresh, flavorful salad in no time!

Reasons to Love This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

• Iconic Flavor: A balance of crispy greens, rich mozzarella, salty salami, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together.

• Quick and Easy: It takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a last-minute lunch or dinner.

• Great for Meal Prep: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, and it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days.

• Versatile: It works as a main course, side dish, or even as a base for a more substantial meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dressing:

• Olive oil

• Red wine vinegar

• Fresh garlic

• Dijon mustard

• Kosher salt and black pepper

• Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

For the Salad:

• Shredded iceberg lettuce

• Shredded romaine lettuce

• Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

• Italian salami

• Fresh mozzarella cheese

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Add-ons: Sliced red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor profile.

• Substitutions: Omit the salami for a vegetarian version, or swap it with pepperoni. You can also use a different type of cheese, like feta or goat cheese.

• Make It Greek: Add olives, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.

Tools You’ll Need

• A large bowl for mixing the salad

• A small bowl or jar to shake or whisk the dressing

• A whisk or spoon to mix the dressing ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Whisk or shake until smooth and fully combined.

2. Chop the Salad Ingredients: Shred the iceberg and romaine lettuce, drain and rinse the chickpeas, slice the Italian salami, and shred the mozzarella cheese.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce, chickpeas, salami, and mozzarella cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to coat evenly.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for up to 1-2 days (store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh).

What to Serve with Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

This salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or even roasted shrimp. For a complete meal, add a side of crusty bread or garlic bread.

How to Store Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to keep the dressing separate and toss everything just before serving.

Can I Freeze Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The lettuce and fresh ingredients don’t freeze well and may become mushy upon thawing. For optimal freshness, enjoy within a couple of days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! You can chop the ingredients the day before and store them in the fridge. Just add the dressing and toss right before serving.

2. Can I use pre-shredded lettuce? Absolutely! Pre-shredded lettuce can save time, but for the best texture, fresh lettuce that’s shredded just before making the salad is ideal.

3. What type of salami should I use? Use dry-cured Italian salami, which is typically sold in logs and can be found near the specialty cheeses in most grocery stores.

4. Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! You can add extra veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to customize the salad to your liking.

5. Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, the salad is gluten-free as long as the salami and dressing are gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels if you need to be sure.

Two Resources

• La Scala Beverly Hills – Official Restaurant

• Healthy Salad Recipes – EatingWell

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 371

• Carbohydrates: 13.8g

• Protein: 24.7g

• Fat: 24.7g

• Fiber: 4.6g

• Sugar: 1.6g

• Sodium: 1216mg

Conclusion

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad brings all the flavors of the iconic Beverly Hills dish into your home kitchen. With a combination of fresh greens, savory salami, and a tangy dressing, it’s a must-try recipe for any salad lover. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or just craving a fresh and flavorful dish, this salad has you covered.

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