Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that brings an irresistible taste to your table. Perfect for any gathering or as a satisfying meal on its own, this salad shines with its vibrant flavors and crunchy textures. The combination of crisp lettuce, hearty chickpeas, creamy mozzarella, and savory Italian salami makes it a standout dish that’s sure to impress.

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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
• 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
• As a Side Salad
• For Meal Prep
• As an Appetizer
• How to Perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• 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 unique?
• Can I customize my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?
• How do I keep leftovers fresh?
• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
• What are some side dishes that pair well with this salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with veggies and protein, it’s both healthy and refreshing.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main or a side; it pairs well with almost any protein.
• Flavorful Dressing: The tangy Pecorino Romano dressing elevates the entire salad experience.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the components in advance for convenient meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or jar with a lid
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Salad serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all the salad ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk or jar with a lid: These tools help you blend the dressing thoroughly for an even distribution of flavor.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing the salami and chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Salad serving bowl: A beautiful serving bowl enhances presentation when serving your salad.

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

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 the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
2. Whisk together or close the jar tightly and shake well until fully combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add shredded iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce.
2. Include drained chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Gently:
1. Toss all ingredients together to ensure they are evenly coated with dressing.
2. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and enjoy!

How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your salad experience.

As a Main Dish

• A complete meal: Pair the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying main course.
• Bulk it up: Add quinoa or farro for extra texture and nutrition.

As a Side Salad

• Perfect pairing: Serve alongside pasta dishes for a refreshing contrast.
• BBQ companion: This salad complements grilled meats, enhancing your summer cookouts.

For Meal Prep

• Lunch ready: Divide into individual containers for convenient workday lunches.
• Keep it fresh: Store the dressing separately to maintain crispness until serving.

As an Appetizer

• Small plates: Offer smaller portions as a starter before dinner.
• Tapas-style: Serve alongside other appetizers for a delightful spread.

How to Perfect Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

To ensure your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest produce available for the best taste and texture.
• Chill Your Salad Bowl: Refrigerate your serving bowl beforehand to keep the salad cool and crisp longer.
• Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on personal preferences or seasonal availability.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the lettuce from wilting, add the dressing right before serving.
• Taste Before Serving: Adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt, pepper, or more cheese if desired.
• Garnish Creatively: Top with extra cheese or herbs for added visual appeal and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

When planning your meal around Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with it. Each option adds variety and complements the flavors of the salad.

1. Garlic Bread – A crunchy and buttery treat that’s perfect for scooping up salad leftovers.
2. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers create an elegant appetizer choice.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil bring additional color and nutrients to your table.
4. Pasta Primavera – A light pasta dish made with fresh vegetables that mirrors the salad’s freshness.
5. Antipasto Platter – A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables that enhances Italian flavors.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with butter offers a sweet contrast to the tangy salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time.

• Using the wrong salami: Choose Italian salami for authentic flavor. Deli-style lunchmeat will not give you the same taste or texture.
• Overdressing the salad: Start with half of the dressing and add more as needed. Too much dressing can make your salad soggy.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh lettuce and vegetables. Wilted produce can ruin the overall taste and presentation.
• Mixing too early: Toss the salad just before serving to keep it crisp. Mixing too soon can lead to limp greens.
• Ignoring storage guidelines: Store leftover salad properly in an airtight container, and remember to add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 1-2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad as fresh ingredients lose their texture when thawed.
• If you must freeze it, store only the ingredients that freeze well, like chickpeas, separately from lettuce.

Reheating Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad ingredients on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl without dressing. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, gently warm the chickpeas and salami. Avoid heating lettuce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad unique?

The combination of crispy lettuces, hearty chickpeas, rich mozzarella, and tangy Pecorino Romano dressing creates a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from other salads.

Can I customize my Famous La Scala Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! You can add other proteins like grilled chicken or swap in different cheeses based on your preference.

How do I keep leftovers fresh?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container without dressing. Add dressing right before serving to maintain crispness.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare the components separately and mix them together just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What are some side dishes that pair well with this salad?

This chopped salad complements grilled meats or seafood beautifully, making it perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners.

Final Thoughts

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether served as a main dish or a side, its vibrant flavors and textures are sure to impress. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal twist!

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