Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that brings vibrant flavors to your plate. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a refreshing side, this salad shines with its colorful mix of lettuce, chickpeas, mozzarella, and Italian salami. Tossed in a tangy Pecorino Romano dressing, it’s perfect for lunch gatherings, picnics, or as a healthy option for weeknight dinners.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Dressing:
• Salad:
• For Garnish
• 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
• As a Main Dish
• With Grilled Chicken
• As a Side for Pasta Dishes
• In a Wrap
• With Crusty Bread
• 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 Famous La Scala Chopped Salad special?
• Can I customize Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
• How do I keep my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad fresh?
• Is Famous La Scala Chopped Salad suitable for meal prep?
• Can I make this salad vegan?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful: The combination of fresh ingredients and the zesty dressing makes every bite burst with flavor.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a light main dish or as a side paired with grilled meats or seafood.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from chickpeas and cheese, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Easily prepare ahead and store the dressing separately to keep it fresh until serving.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need to create the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or jar for dressing
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Whisk or jar: Using a whisk ensures your dressing is thoroughly blended; a jar allows you to shake it up quickly.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and salami.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for clean cuts, making preparation quick and efficient.

Ingredients

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)

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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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 olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
2. Whisk together until well mixed or close the jar and shake vigorously.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Add shredded iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce.
2. Mix in 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 until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Enjoy your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad!

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

As a Main Dish

• Serve the salad as a stand-alone meal, especially on warm days. It’s filling and packed with protein from the chickpeas and salami.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken breasts for a protein-rich meal. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

As a Side for Pasta Dishes

• This chopped salad goes well alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna. The freshness of the salad balances out the richness of the pasta.

In a Wrap

• Use the salad as a filling for wraps. Spread it onto a tortilla or pita bread, roll it up, and enjoy a portable lunch option.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread. Dipping bread in the leftover dressing adds another layer of flavor to your meal.

How to Perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

To make your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips:

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance its freshness.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. You can add more salt or cheese based on your preference.
• Customize Your Proteins: Feel free to mix in different proteins like grilled shrimp or diced turkey for variety.
• Explore Add-ins: Consider adding other veggies such as bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
• Presentation Matters: Use a large bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of your salad when serving.

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Best Side Dishes for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery treat that complements the tangy dressing of the salad.
2. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an elegant appetizer.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned and charred veggies add depth and texture alongside your salad.
4. Antipasto Platter – A colorful assortment of olives, cured meats, and cheeses perfect for sharing.
5. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide heartiness to your meal.
6. Quinoa Pilaf – A light quinoa dish mixed with herbs that adds a nutty flavor contrast to the salad.
7. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice and spices offer a delightful vegetarian option.
8. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits cleanses the palate after enjoying the rich flavors of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using the wrong salami: Not all salami is created equal. Ensure you use Italian salami for the best flavor, as deli-style lunchmeat will not deliver the same taste.
• Skipping the dressing: The tangy Pecorino Romano dressing is essential. Don’t skip this step; it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
• Not washing the vegetables: Always wash your lettuce and vegetables thoroughly. This ensures that any dirt or pesticides are removed, making your salad healthier.
• Cutting ingredients too large: For a true chopped salad experience, ensure all ingredients are chopped into bite-sized pieces. This makes for easier eating and better flavor distribution.
• Dressing too early: If you dress the salad too soon, it can become soggy. Dress just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the quality of fresh ingredients once thawed.
• If necessary, freeze only the chickpeas and salami in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the ingredients in a baking dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Gently heat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, ensuring not to overcook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Famous La Scala Chopped Salad special?

This salad is renowned for its fresh ingredients and savory Pecorino Romano dressing, creating a delightful blend of flavors that elevate any meal.

Can I customize Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite veggies or proteins like grilled chicken or avocado for added nutrition.

How do I keep my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad fresh?

To maintain freshness, store the salad and dressing separately until just before serving. This prevents sogginess.

Is Famous La Scala Chopped Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store components separately and combine when ready to eat.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, swap out cheese with a plant-based alternative and replace salami with roasted vegetables or chickpeas.

Final Thoughts

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a versatile dish that works well as a main course or side. Its combination of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing offers something for everyone. Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences!

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