Introduction
Fresh, crisp, and irresistibly flavorful — the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a true Hollywood legend. 🌟
Served at the iconic La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills since the 1950s, this salad became a celebrity favorite thanks to its simple ingredients, perfect balance, and zesty Italian dressing.
Made with finely chopped lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas), it’s hearty enough for lunch yet light enough for everyday eating. 🥬💫
Ingredients
For 4 Servings
For the Salad:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- ¼ cup finely chopped salami (or turkey for a lighter version)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for a fresher twist)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
For the Famous La Scala Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dry mustard (or Dijon mustard)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp minced shallot or garlic (optional but recommended)
Tip: The key to the La Scala flavor is chopping everything finely — every bite should have a bit of everything!
Timing ⏰
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
➡️ A gourmet salad made famous in Hollywood — in just minutes! 🌟
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
For best flavor, let it sit for 5 minutes to blend.
Step 2: Chop the Ingredients
Finely chop iceberg and romaine lettuce.
Dice salami, shred mozzarella, and slice cherry tomatoes if using.
Pro Tip: The finer you chop, the more authentic your salad will taste — La Scala’s signature is its perfect, uniform texture.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine lettuce, garbanzo beans, cheese, salami, and tomatoes.
Pour the dressing over the top and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with a bit of extra Parmesan or black pepper.
Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness. 🍋
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Healthy Tip: To make it lighter, skip the salami and use part-skim mozzarella or chickpeas as your main protein source.
Variations & Tips 🥗
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the salami — the chickpeas and cheese provide plenty of protein.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and replace honey mustard with Dijon.
- Add Crunch: Top with roasted chickpeas or croutons.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store dressing separately and mix before serving to keep lettuce crisp.
Storage 🧊
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days (undressed).
- Dressing: Can be stored in a jar for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Make Ahead: Chop ingredients and prep dressing the night before for quick lunches.
Conclusion
Crisp, tangy, and timeless — the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad brings a taste of Beverly Hills elegance to your home. 🥗💫
It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors — simple, fresh, and endlessly satisfying.
Now you can enjoy this celebrity-loved classic anytime — from your own kitchen! 🌿
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