Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Introduction

What do Hollywood stars, elegant restaurants, and home chefs have in common? They all love the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad — a timeless classic that originated at Beverly Hills’ legendary La Scala Boutique in the 1950s. Known for its perfect crunch, balance, and signature Dijon-mustard dressing, this salad has become a celebrity favorite and viral sensation on TikTok and Pinterest alike.

It’s crisp, tangy, and loaded with flavor — a luxurious yet simple salad that pairs beautifully with any meal. According to LA Times food reports, this salad’s popularity has grown by 60% in online recipe searches, proving that some classics never go out of style.

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Ingredients List

For the Salad:

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
• ½ head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• 1½ cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup salami, finely chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
• 1 tomato, finely chopped (optional)

For the Signature Dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dry oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Substitution Tip:
Use turkey or ham instead of salami for a lighter version, or skip the meat for a vegetarian take.

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Timing

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Quick, fresh, and effortlessly elegant — just chop, toss, and serve!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

Finely chop iceberg and romaine lettuce — the key is in the finely chopped texture. Add to a large salad bowl.

Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins

Add chickpeas, salami (if using), mozzarella, Parmesan, red onion, and tomato. Toss gently to combine.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss well so every bite is coated with that tangy, creamy flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, savory perfection that made La Scala famous.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Component	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	13 g
Carbohydrates	15 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	520 mg

Based on 4 servings, includes salami and dressing.

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Low-Fat Version: Use part-skim mozzarella and halve the oil in the dressing.
• Vegan: Skip cheese and salami; use vegan mozzarella and chickpeas as the main protein.
• High-Protein: Add grilled chicken or tuna for a fuller meal.
• Low-Sodium: Rinse canned chickpeas well and reduce added salt.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve the La Scala Chopped Salad as:

• A light main course with garlic bread or soup 🍞
• A side salad with grilled fish, chicken, or steak 🍗🐟
• A perfect lunch topped with extra chickpeas or avocado 🥑

Pro Tip: Chill the salad for 10 minutes before serving for extra crispness — it makes a big difference!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Large pieces: The signature La Scala style is finely chopped — it ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
2. Overdressing: Start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
3. Skipping the Dijon: It’s the key to that signature tangy flavor.
4. Making too early: Dress the salad right before serving to keep it crisp.

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Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store undressed salad for up to 1 day in an airtight container.
• Dressing Storage: The dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake before use.
• Meal Prep Tip: Layer ingredients in a jar (dressing on bottom, lettuce on top) for grab-and-go lunches.

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Conclusion

Crisp, tangy, and iconic — the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is proof that simplicity and quality ingredients never go out of style. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main dish, this salad delivers a refreshing crunch and irresistible flavor every single time.

👉 Make it today and bring a touch of Beverly Hills to your kitchen! Share your version in the comments and subscribe for more timeless recipes.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, just keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving.

2. What’s the best lettuce combination?
Iceberg for crunch + romaine for color and balance.

3. Can I add avocado?
Definitely — it adds a creamy texture that complements the tangy dressing.

4. Can I make it a full meal?
Yes — add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna for protein-packed perfection.