Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines fresh ingredients for a delightful meal. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is not just a side but can also stand alone as a light main course. With a mix of crisp lettuce, hearty chickpeas, savory Italian salami, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a tangy Pecorino Romano dressing, this salad will surely impress your guests and family alike.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dressing
• For the Salad
• How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
• Step 1: Make the Dressing
• Step 2: Assemble the Salad
• Step 3: Toss and Serve
• How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
• Pair with Grilled Chicken
• Serve as a Side Dish
• Use as a Wrap Filling
• Top with Avocado
• Create a Salad Bar
• How to Perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
• Reheating Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad so special?
• Can I customize my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
• How do I prevent my salad from getting soggy?
• What is the best way to serve this salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this tasty salad in no time.
• Fresh Ingredients: This salad uses fresh vegetables and high-quality ingredients, making it both healthy and delicious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or seafood.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead of time by storing the dressing separately to keep everything fresh until serving.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich flavors and textures appeal to many tastes, making it perfect for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or jar with lid
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients without mess.
• Whisk or jar with lid: Helps achieve a smooth dressing easily by mixing or shaking.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your vegetables and salami.

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 and freshly ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan cheese)

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
• ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar:
1. Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
2. Whisk together until smooth; if using a jar, close it tightly and shake well.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Add the shredded iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce.
2. Include the drained chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.
2. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness!

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

• Adding grilled chicken makes this salad a heartier meal. The smoky flavor complements the tangy dressing beautifully.

Serve as a Side Dish

• This chopped salad works wonderfully as a refreshing side dish for any main course. It adds color and crunch to your plate.

Use as a Wrap Filling

• For a unique twist, use the salad as filling in a wrap. Combine it with your favorite tortilla for an easy lunch.

Top with Avocado

• Adding slices of ripe avocado enhances the creaminess of the dish, making each bite even more satisfying.

Create a Salad Bar

• Set up a salad bar and let guests customize their bowls with additional toppings like olives, nuts, or extra cheese.

How to Perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

To make this salad truly exceptional, pay attention to these helpful tips. They’ll ensure that every bite is fresh and flavorful.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest lettuce and quality ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
• Chill Your Salad Bowl: Place your mixing bowl in the fridge before assembling the salad. A chilled bowl helps keep your greens crisp.
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients according to your preference for acidity or saltiness for a personalized flavor.
• Add Crunchy Toppings: Consider tossing in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Make Ahead Wisely: If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately until serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.
• Experiment with Proteins: Try adding different proteins like grilled shrimp or chickpeas for variation and added nutrition.

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Best Side Dishes for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

When serving Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up leftover dressing from your plate.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add warmth and texture, making them an excellent choice alongside this fresh salad.
3. Caprese Skewers: These skewers combine fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, providing a delightful Italian touch that pairs well with the salad.
4. Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish filled with fresh vegetables complements the flavors of the chopped salad beautifully.
5. Bruschetta: Topping toasted bread with tomato, basil, and balsamic drizzles creates a refreshing appetizer that matches nicely with the salad.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers add heartiness and can be filled with grains or meats that balance well with the freshness of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of this delightful dish.

• Using dull ingredients: Freshness matters. Always use fresh lettuce and high-quality salami for the best flavor.
• Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
• Skipping the rinsing step: Not rinsing canned chickpeas can result in a gritty texture. Always drain and rinse them before adding.
• Ignoring ingredient proportions: Following the recipe’s proportions ensures balanced flavors. Adjusting too much can overpower the dish.
• Making ahead incorrectly: If you prepare it in advance, store the dressing separately to keep the salad crisp until serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Freezing Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because it may lose its crunchy texture upon thawing.
• If necessary, separate components before freezing, but expect some changes in quality.

Reheating Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm gently; however, it’s best served cold.
• Microwave: Not advised; it can wilt fresh ingredients quickly.
• Stovetop: Not applicable as this salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad so special?

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad stands out due to its combination of fresh ingredients and a tangy Pecorino Romano dressing that elevates simple flavors.

Can I customize my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or even grilled chicken to suit your taste preferences.

How do I prevent my salad from getting soggy?

To keep your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad crisp, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

What is the best way to serve this salad?

This salad is perfect as a main dish or as a side with grilled meats or seafood, making it versatile for any meal.

Final Thoughts

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing, it’s an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins!