There are recipes that come and go with food trends, and then there are dishes that stand the test of time. The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad belongs to the latter category. Beloved for its crisp greens, savory Italian salami, creamy mozzarella, nutty chickpeas, and its signature tangy Pecorino Romano dressing, this salad is more than just a bowl of greens — it is a culinary icon.
The dish traces its roots to La Scala, a historic Beverly Hills restaurant that became a hotspot for Hollywood celebrities in the 1950s and 60s. Known for its elegant dining and Italian-inspired menu, the restaurant popularized this chopped salad, which soon became a cult favorite among diners. Decades later, it continues to be recreated in kitchens around the world because of its perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and bold flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a show-stopping dish for entertaining, the La Scala Chopped Salad fits the occasion. This article dives deep into everything you need to know — from its history and ingredient breakdown to detailed instructions, variations, nutrition insights, and expert tips. By the end, you’ll be equipped not only to make this salad but to make it your own.
What Makes the La Scala Chopped Salad Famous?
At first glance, this salad looks simple. After all, chopped lettuce, cheese, beans, and salami don’t sound particularly groundbreaking. Yet simplicity is exactly what makes it iconic. When thoughtfully combined and coated in the distinctive Pecorino Romano vinaigrette, these everyday ingredients transform into a luxurious dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
The salad became famous for several reasons:
- Its Celebrity Origins: La Scala was a hotspot for Old Hollywood stars. From Frank Sinatra to Marilyn Monroe, the restaurant attracted people who loved the salad just as much as the glamorous atmosphere.
- Its Unique Dressing: Instead of a creamy ranch or Caesar, this salad uses a sharp, tangy, and nutty dressing with Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s light yet flavorful, making the salad stand out.
- The Perfect Chop: Unlike rustic salads with uneven leaves, the La Scala salad is finely shredded and uniformly chopped. Every bite contains a little bit of everything — lettuce, chickpeas, salami, cheese — ensuring balance in flavor and texture.
- Its Versatility: It can be served as a main dish, a side salad, or even as part of a buffet spread.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s look closer at what makes this salad so special. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the balance of textures and flavors.
1. Lettuce: The Foundation
The salad traditionally uses iceberg and romaine lettuce. Iceberg provides that signature crunch, while romaine adds a slightly bitter, fresh undertone. Together, they create a base that’s crisp, light, and refreshing.
Tip: Always dry your lettuce well. Excess water dilutes the dressing and leaves the salad soggy.
2. Chickpeas: The Creamy, Nutty Element
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, add a creamy texture and nutty flavor. They also make the salad more filling by contributing protein and fiber.
Health Perk: Chickpeas are rich in plant-based protein, making this salad hearty enough to be a meal.
3. Italian Salami: The Savory Kick
Thin slices of Italian salami bring savory, umami depth to the dish. Its slightly fatty texture balances perfectly with the tangy vinaigrette and fresh greens.
Alternative Options: If you want a lighter version, swap salami for turkey or grilled chicken. For vegetarians, roasted red peppers or olives can provide a similar salty punch.
4. Mozzarella Cheese: The Creamy Binder
Shredded mozzarella offers mild creaminess that ties the salad together. While some versions use cubed mozzarella, shredded works best because it blends seamlessly with the chopped greens.
Variation: For sharper flavor, substitute with provolone, feta, or even a vegan cheese alternative.
5. Pecorino Romano Dressing: The Star
The heart of this salad is the dressing — a tangy, cheesy vinaigrette that combines olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Unlike heavy creamy dressings, it’s light yet flavorful, coating each ingredient without overpowering it.
Tools & Preparation Essentials
Cooking is easier when you’re equipped with the right tools. To prepare the La Scala Chopped Salad, here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Mixing Bowl: To toss the salad without spilling.
- Small Bowl or Mason Jar: Perfect for mixing and shaking the dressing.
- Sharp Knife or Mandoline: Ensures thin, even slices of lettuce and salami.
- Salad Spinner: Removes excess water from greens.
- Whisk or Jar Lid: Helps emulsify the dressing.
Preparation Tip: Always chill your lettuce before slicing. Cold greens are crisper and hold up better once dressed.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or 1 teaspoon dry mustard)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan substitute)
For the Salad:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded (5–6 cups)
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded (4–5 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 ounces Italian salami, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Make the Dressing
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt, pepper, and Pecorino Romano.
- Whisk until smooth or shake the jar vigorously until emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine iceberg, romaine, chickpeas, salami, and mozzarella.
- Dress and Toss
- Pour half the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Add more dressing as needed, making sure each bite is evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately
- Transfer to a chilled serving bowl for best presentation.
Customization & Variations
The beauty of this salad lies in its adaptability. Here are some creative twists:
- Vegetarian: Skip the salami and add roasted red peppers, olives, or marinated artichokes.
- Vegan: Replace mozzarella with vegan cheese and Pecorino Romano with nutritional yeast.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp, or even seared tuna.
- Low-Carb: Omit chickpeas and increase cheese or protein.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add cucumbers, kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Holiday Version: Toss in dried cranberries, pistachios, or pomegranate seeds for festive color.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This salad is versatile enough to shine on its own or complement other dishes. Here are serving ideas:
- As a Main Dish: Pair with crusty Italian bread or focaccia.
- With Soups: Tomato basil or minestrone soups balance beautifully.
- Party Style: Serve in a chilled bowl with an antipasto platter on the side.
- For Lunchboxes: Pack salad and dressing separately, then combine before eating.
- Wine Pairing: Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhance its flavors.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
On average, one serving (about 1/6 of the recipe) provides:
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Calcium & Iron: Rich source due to cheese and chickpeas.
This salad offers:
- High protein and fiber for satiety.
- Heart-healthy fats from olive oil.
- Calcium from mozzarella and Pecorino Romano.
- Vitamins A and K from romaine and iceberg lettuce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdressing: Start with half the dressing, add more if needed.
- Wet Greens: Always dry lettuce and chickpeas thoroughly.
- Not Tossing Evenly: Every bite should have a balance of ingredients.
- Making Too Early: Assemble just before serving for the best crunch.
- Using Pre-Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Pecorino Romano enhances flavor dramatically.
Storage, Meal Prep & Leftover Hacks
- Dressing: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake before use.
- Salad: Keep greens and dressing separate if prepping ahead. Combine right before serving.
- Leftovers: Use leftover salad as a wrap filling, sandwich topping, or pizza garnish.
FAQs
Can I use different lettuce?
Yes, kale, spinach, or arugula can be substituted, though the flavor profile changes.
What’s the best substitute for Pecorino Romano?
Parmesan or Grana Padano work beautifully.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegan cheese and nutritional yeast in the dressing.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check processed items like salami.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Prep ingredients separately, store them chilled, and assemble when ready to serve.
Cultural & Culinary Insights
Chopped salads have long been part of Italian-American cuisine, emphasizing finely chopped ingredients for consistent bites. The La Scala version stood out because of its balance of elegance and comfort, bridging restaurant sophistication with home-style flavors. Today, it’s more than just food — it’s a piece of cultural history that represents the glamour of Beverly Hills dining.
Reader Engagement Tips
Think of this salad as a canvas for your creativity. Hosting a summer barbecue? Add grilled corn and avocado. Planning a winter dinner party? Toss in roasted butternut squash and cranberries. The possibilities are endless, and each twist adds your personal touch.
