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.