Description
This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant, flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining crisp iceberg and romaine lettuces with hearty chickpeas, savory Italian salami, and creamy mozzarella cheese. Tossed in a zesty dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and tangy mustard, this chopped salad offers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal quick and satisfying meal or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Dressing
- â…“ 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
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- â…“ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated Parmesan cheese
Salad
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (about 5-6 cups)
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (about 4-5 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon or dry mustard, kosher salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is thoroughly blended or close the jar and shake well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce and shredded romaine lettuce, ensuring both lettuces are chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy tossing and eating.
- Add Protein and Cheese: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the thinly sliced Italian salami and shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the lettuce. These ingredients layer in richness and texture, making the salad hearty and satisfying.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients for the best flavor distribution.
- Serve: Once tossed, serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness and crispness, or chill briefly if desired. Enjoy this bright, tasty salad as a main dish or paired alongside your favorite Italian meals.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for the most flavorful dressing.
- If preferred, substitute salami with other cured meats like pepperoni or prosciutto.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and consider adding roasted chickpeas or grilled vegetables instead.
- Make sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas well to avoid dressing dilution.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; toss again before serving.
