Welcome to a deliciously fresh recipe that brings the flavors of Beverly Hills straight to your kitchen. Today, we’re diving into the famous La Scala Chopped Salad, a dish that’s gone viral for its simplicity and tangy flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this easy chopped salad recipe loaded with Italian salami, marinated artichokes, and chickpeas will leave your taste buds dancing.
Introduction: Why La Scala Chopped Salad is a Must-Try
Originating from the iconic Beverly Hills restaurant, La Scala, this chopped salad has been a favorite among celebrities and food lovers alike. Known for its bold Italian flavors, it’s a comforting yet fresh dish that requires minimal prep time and delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Featuring Italian salami, chickpeas, mozzarella, and marinated artichokes, this salad is perfect for anyone craving a hearty, tangy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Check out this ultimate cornbread casserole for a perfect pairing.
Ingredients for La Scala Chopped Salad
Here’s a complete list of everything you need to make this delicious La Scala chopped salad. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 8 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
- 4 ounces Italian salami, julienned
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Substitutions:
- Vegetarian: Swap salami with sun-dried tomatoes or grilled vegetables.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure Dijon mustard is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten.
How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your taste, ensuring the dressing has a perfect balance of tang and richness.
Step 2: Marinate the Chickpeas
In a large bowl, pour half of the dressing over the rinsed chickpeas. Stir to coat them evenly, then set aside. This step allows the chickpeas to soak up the tangy dressing, adding an extra layer of flavor to the salad.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, marinated artichokes, Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss these ingredients together to mix evenly.
Step 4: Toss with the Remaining Dressing
Add the marinated chickpeas to the salad bowl, followed by the remaining dressing. Toss everything together until the salad is well-coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Serve
Top the salad with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a touch of richness, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips for La Scala Chopped Salad
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh lettuce and high-quality salami. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as fresh mozzarella provides a creamier texture.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add extras like olives, roasted peppers, or even avocado slices to customize this salad to your liking.
- Salad Dressing Pro Tip: If you have time, prepare the dressing a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, making the salad even more flavorful.
Cooking Tips for the Best La Scala Chopped Salad
- Uniform Chopping: Chop the lettuce and other ingredients uniformly to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Chill the Salad: For a refreshing crunch, refrigerate the salad for 10 minutes before serving.
- Use a Large Bowl: Tossing the salad in a large bowl helps to mix the ingredients and dressing evenly, ensuring no ingredient gets left out.
Serving Suggestions for La Scala Chopped Salad
This chopped salad pairs wonderfully with light Italian dishes or even grilled meats. Try serving it alongside a grilled chicken breast or a bowl of minestrone soup for a well-rounded meal.
For a drink pairing, consider a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a non-alcoholic sparkling water with a splash of lemon.
Looking for something heartier? Try this sausage ball recipe!
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only delicious but also packs in some nutritional benefits:
Per Serving:
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin A: 15% of the daily recommended value
Storage and Leftovers for La Scala Chopped Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, to maintain the freshness of the lettuce, it’s best to store the dressing and salad separately. When you’re ready to eat, toss the salad with the dressing to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Reheating Instructions: Since this is a cold dish, reheating is unnecessary. Simply enjoy it straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for La Scala Chopped Salad
- Can I prepare La Scala Chopped Salad ahead of time? Yes, but it’s best to store the dressing separately and toss the salad right before serving.
- What can I substitute for salami? You can use turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option, or swap with grilled veggies for a vegetarian version.
- Can I add more vegetables to this salad? Absolutely! Cucumbers, tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would be excellent additions.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to keep the salad fresh.
Related Recipes for La Scala Chopped Salad Lovers
If you loved this recipe, you might want to try:
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread: A hearty and flavorful meal.
- Sausage Balls with Red Lobster Mix: A perfect savory snack for any occasion.
Conclusion: Try the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Today!
This La Scala Chopped Salad is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to bring a bit of Beverly Hills into their home. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a versatile dish that can easily become a staple in your meal rotation. We would love to hear your thoughts—let us know how your salad turned out, and feel free to share any personal twists you added!
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La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe: Easy & Delicious Guide
Description
Welcome to a deliciously fresh recipe that brings the flavors of Beverly Hills straight to your kitchen. Today, we’re diving into the famous La Scala Chopped Salad, a dish that’s gone viral for its simplicity and tangy flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this easy chopped salad recipe loaded with Italian salami, marinated artichokes, and chickpeas will leave your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 8 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
- 4 ounces Italian salami, julienned
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Substitutions:
- Vegetarian: Swap salami with sun-dried tomatoes or grilled vegetables.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure Dijon mustard is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your taste, ensuring the dressing has a perfect balance of tang and richness.
Step 2: Marinate the Chickpeas
In a large bowl, pour half of the dressing over the rinsed chickpeas. Stir to coat them evenly, then set aside. This step allows the chickpeas to soak up the tangy dressing, adding an extra layer of flavor to the salad.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, marinated artichokes, Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss these ingredients together to mix evenly.
Step 4: Toss with the Remaining Dressing
Add the marinated chickpeas to the salad bowl, followed by the remaining dressing. Toss everything together until the salad is well-coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Serve
Top the salad with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a touch of richness, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh lettuce and high-quality salami. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as fresh mozzarella provides a creamier texture.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add extras like olives, roasted peppers, or even avocado slices to customize this salad to your liking.
- Salad Dressing Pro Tip: If you have time, prepare the dressing a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, making the salad even more flavorful.
