Craving something fresh, bold, and straight out of Beverly Hills? Let me introduce you to the La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe; the exact dish that's been winning hearts at the iconic La Scala restaurant for decades. This isn't just any salad; it's the celebrity-favorite La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe that stars like Kourtney Kardashian are always raving about. Packed with crisp lettuce, savory Italian salami, creamy mozzarella, and protein-rich chickpeas; every bite is tossed in a zingy red wine vinaigrette that hits all the right notes. Best of all? This La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe comes together in just 15 minutes; making it perfect for a quick lunch, a light yet satisfying dinner, or even an impressive side dish when you want to wow your guests. Trust me, once you try this La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
There’s a reason the La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe has stayed a Beverly Hills favorite for decades; it’s simple, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying. With every bite of this La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe, you get a perfect mix of crisp lettuce, salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and hearty garbanzo beans. It’s not just delicious; it’s balanced and filling enough to be a full meal. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled chicken or enjoying it solo, the La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home. If you love quick, no-fuss meals that feel fancy without the effort; this La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is for you.
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Ingredients
For the Salad:
- Romaine lettuce, chopped – Provides structure and crunch; the backbone of any great chopped salad
- Iceberg lettuce, chopped – Adds extra crispness and mild flavor that balances the romaine
- Dry salami, diced – The star protein that gives this salad its signature taste; use Genoa or Milano salami for best results
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed – Adds creamy richness; can substitute with part-skim mozzarella to reduce calories
- Garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed – Provides plant-based protein and makes the salad more filling
- Red onion, finely diced – Adds sharp flavor; use sweet onion if you prefer milder taste
For the La Scala Salad Dressing:
- Black pepper – Freshly ground preferred
- Extra virgin olive oil – Use high-quality oil for best flavor
- Dijon mustard – Creates the emulsification and adds tangy depth
- Garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is essential; don't use powder
- Dried oregano – Classic Italian herb that ties everything together
- Salt – Kosher salt works best
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare All Ingredients
- Wash and thoroughly dry both romaine and iceberg lettuce using a salad spinner. Chop both types of lettuce into bite-sized pieces, about ½ inch squares. Dice the red onion finely, cube the fresh mozzarella into ½-inch pieces, and dice the dry salami into similar-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the garbanzo beans, then pat everything dry with paper towels. The key to a perfect chopped salad is having completely dry ingredients that won't dilute your dressing.
Make the La Scala Salad Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar with a tight lid, combine red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously to combine. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking constantly to create a proper emulsion. The dressing should be smooth and slightly thick.
Pro tip: Make the dressing 30 minutes ahead if possible – this allows the garlic and herbs to infuse the oil for maximum flavor.
Assemble and Serve
- In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced salami, cubed mozzarella, chickpeas, and red onion. Pour about ¾ of the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly. You want every piece coated but not drowning in dressing. Taste and add more dressing if needed. The salad should be well-dressed but not soggy. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Step 1: Prepare All Ingredients
Chop, dice, and dry all ingredients before assembling the salad.
- Step 2: Make the La Scala Salad Dressing
Whisk or shake up the red wine vinaigrette until smooth.
- Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Combine all ingredients, pour dressing, and toss gently before serving.
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- Chopping Technique: Use a sharp knife and cutting board exclusively for vegetables to maintain the fresh taste. Cut lettuce with a knife rather than tearing for cleaner edges that hold dressing better.
- Dressing Distribution: The secret to restaurant-quality taste is proper dressing distribution. Add dressing gradually and toss between additions to ensure even coating.
- Texture Balance: The contrast between crispy lettuce, creamy cheese, and tender beans is crucial. Don't over-mix, which can bruise the lettuce and make it wilted.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prep all ingredients separately and store in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
Classic Variations:
- Beverly Hills Chopped Salad Deluxe: Add diced tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers for extra vegetables and color.
- Protein-Packed Version: Include diced hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken for additional protein.
- Italian Herb Twist: Add fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra Italian flavor boost.
Dietary Modifications:
- Keto-Friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb. To make it even more keto-appropriate, add extra olive oil and cheese.
- Paleo Version: Omit the chickpeas and cheese, add more vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers.
- Heart-Healthy Option: Use turkey pepperoni instead of salami and part-skim mozzarella to reduce saturated fat.
Equipment Recommendations
- Large Mixing Bowl: A 4-quart bowl gives you plenty of room to toss without spillage.
- Sharp Chef's Knife: Essential for clean, uniform chopping that preserves ingredient integrity.
- Salad Spinner: Crucial for getting lettuce completely dry, which prevents watery salad.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: Perfect for draining and rinsing chickpeas thoroughly.
- Small Whisk or Jar with Lid: For creating the perfect emulsified dressing.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Fridge Storage:
- Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The lettuce stays crisp when stored with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Keep the dressing in a separate container and shake well before using.
Meal Prep Strategy:
- Prep all ingredients on Sunday for weekday salads. Store lettuce, protein components, and dressing separately. When ready to eat, combine desired portions and dress just before serving.
Freezing Instructions:
- This salad doesn't freeze well due to the fresh lettuce and cheese. However, you can freeze extra dressing in ice cube trays for future use – just thaw and shake before using.X days/weeks/months.
The Beverly Hills Salad Secret They Never Told You
Tucked away in a cozy corner of Beverly Hills, La Scala wasn’t just known for its Hollywood clientele; it was famous for one thing on the menu that had everyone coming back—the La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. For years, it was a well-kept secret, passed quietly from one loyal guest to another. Celebrities loved it; locals swore by it; and no one could quite figure out how something so simple could taste that good.
Here’s the twist: the magic was never in fancy ingredients—it was in the balance. Crisp lettuce, salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and that zesty homemade vinaigrette came together like a perfectly cast movie. Today, I’m sharing the La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe so you can bring a little Hollywood legend to your kitchen, no velvet rope required.
FAQ
What is a La Scala chopped salad Recipe?
The La Scala chopped salad is a famous Italian-style salad from the La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills. It features finely chopped romaine and iceberg lettuce, salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It's known for its balanced flavors and celebrity following.
Is the La Scala salad healthy?
Yes; the La Scala chopped salad is rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. With chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and olive oil-based dressing, it’s a nutritious option—especially when enjoyed with leaner meats or reduced cheese.
What salad did Jennifer Aniston eat every day on the set of Friends?
Jennifer Aniston reportedly ate a custom salad daily while filming Friends. It included bulgur, cucumbers, parsley, mint, red onion, chickpeas, feta, and pistachios—different from the La Scala chopped salad but equally popular online.
What is the famous chopped salad LA?
The famous LA chopped salad is the La Scala chopped salad from Beverly Hills. Served at the iconic La Scala restaurant, it’s a longtime favorite of Hollywood celebrities and is known for its simple, crave-worthy ingredients.
Make the La Scala Magic at Home
Now you can enjoy the same La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe that’s been loved by Hollywood stars for decades—without leaving your kitchen. This La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is everything you want in a meal; fresh, flavorful, and just fancy enough to feel special. Whether you need a quick healthy lunch or a light dinner with serious flavor, this La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is your go-to.
If you’re into bold, fresh flavors, don’t miss our Easy Mediterranean Salmon Recipe—it pairs beautifully with this salad. Or switch things up with our creamy and satisfying Chicken Salad Chick Recipe for another crowd-pleasing option.
Go ahead and give this iconic La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe a try; then drop a comment and let us know how it turned out—or if you added your own spin!
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La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl For tossing all salad ingredients evenly without spillage
- 1 Salad spinner Essential to dry romaine and iceberg lettuce thoroughly
- 1 Chef's knife For chopping lettuce, dicing salami, and cubing mozzarella
- 1 Cutting board Use a clean board for vegetables and cheese
- 1 Jar with lid or small whisk To emulsify the dressing by shaking or whisking
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer To rinse and drain canned chickpeas completely
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped
- 4 oz dry salami diced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cubed
- 15 oz garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
- 0.5 cup red onion finely diced
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt kosher preferred
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Wash and dry lettuce; chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Whisk vinegar, garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
- Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Add dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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