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La Scala Salad

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Create the popular LA-style salad at home with ease. Mix crisp lettuces, Italian salami, chickpeas, and cheese with a bold dressing. Great as a side or meal.

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Updated on Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:32:19 GMT
A fresh bowl of chopped romaine, salami slices, grated cheese, and chickpeas topped with herbs. Pin it
A fresh bowl of chopped romaine, salami slices, grated cheese, and chickpeas topped with herbs. | cookingkitchn.com

Looking to whip up the legendary La Scala salad at home? This simple guide brings the taste of Beverly Hills straight to your table! My take on this star-studded favorite mixes crunchy lettuce, punchy house dressing, and perfect add-ins like thin-sliced salami and fresh mozzarella. The straightforward approach gives you that authentic taste!

What Makes This Worth Trying

This DIY salad really hits the spot! The straightforward method blends all the good stuff - zingy dressing, savory meats, and smooth cheese. My kids go crazy for this house version because you can toss in whatever extras you fancy. And it's great for planning ahead - just pour the dressing on when you're set to dig in!

Your Ingredient List

  • For The Dressing: You'll want quality olive oil, some vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and grated Pecorino.
  • The Greens: Combine iceberg with romaine for this house creation.
  • The Good Stuff: Grab some chickpeas, slices of Italian salami, and chunks of fresh mozzarella.
  • Extra Fun: My house version tastes amazing with a few pepperoncini or chopped sun-dried tomatoes thrown in!

Putting It All Together

Mix Your Dressing First
This house dressing couldn't be easier - just dump everything in a jar and give it a shake. The approach makes plenty for another day!
Get Your Veggies Ready
For this approach, slice the lettuce into thin ribbons. Cut your salami into little strips, and drain those chickpeas.
Combine Everything
Grab your largest bowl and throw in all the components for this house salad. Add just enough dressing to lightly cover it all - that's the last step.
Enjoy Right Away
This approach works best when you eat it immediately while everything's still nice and crisp!

Pro Secrets

What I've figured out making this house salad: Chop everything roughly the same size for that true chopped salad feel. For super-crunchy greens, dunk them in ice water before drying. And don't skimp on good stuff - it makes this house version taste way better!

A colorful bowl filled with chopped romaine, plump chickpeas, thin salami slices, and sprinkled cheese, topped with herbs for garnish. Pin it
A colorful bowl filled with chopped romaine, plump chickpeas, thin salami slices, and sprinkled cheese, topped with herbs for garnish. | cookingkitchn.com

Prep In Advance

This straightforward method works great for planning! Get all your house salad fixings ready but keep them apart. When hunger strikes, just toss everything with the dressing. If you've got extras, they'll stay good for a day or two in the fridge, though your greens might lose some crunch.

Mix It Around

This house salad can change with your mood! Leave out the meat for a plant-based take. Add some Mediterranean flair with crumbled feta and sliced olives. My partner loves his house creation topped with some grilled chicken pieces. You can even swap out the cheese types - go with whatever you're craving!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which salami works best?
Choose Italian-style salami from the cheese aisle, not pre-sliced deli options.
→ Can I prep it early?
Keep parts separate until you're ready to serve so it stays fresh.
→ What's the point of two lettuce types?
Iceberg adds crunch, while romaine brings nutrients and taste.
→ Can I swap out the cheese?
It's flexible—parmesan works fine in place of pecorino romano.
→ How small should I chop it?
Go for tiny, even pieces for that classic chopped salad feel.

La Scala Salad

A homemade twist on the legendary La Scala chopped mix with fresh greens, Italian cuts, cheese, and a zesty drizzle.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Nourishing Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 head romaine, cut into thin strips.
02 1 head iceberg, cut into thin strips.
03 1/3 cup olive oil (extra virgin).
04 3 tbsp red wine vinegar.
05 3 tsp Dijon mustard.
06 A pinch of salt and pepper (about 1/2 tsp each).
07 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
08 1/3 cup Pecorino Romano, finely grated.
09 15 oz can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained.
10 4 oz of thinly sliced Italian salami.
11 2 cups mozzarella, shredded.

Instructions

Step 01

In a small jar or bowl, throw in the dressing stuff and whisk or shake it well.

Step 02

Slice up both lettuces into thin strips.

Step 03

Toss all the shredded lettuce into one big bowl.

Step 04

Tip the rinsed chickpeas over the lettuce.

Step 05

Throw in the salami slices and shredded mozzarella.

Step 06

Drizzle the mixed-up dressing over the salad.

Step 07

Give the salad a good toss to make sure everything's coated evenly.

Step 08

Serve right away while it's crisp and fresh.

Notes

  1. Inspired by a dish from restaurants.
  2. You can prepare it early.
  3. Works as a hearty salad meal.
  4. Keeps well for just a day or two.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big bowl.
  • Jar or small bowl for dressing.
  • A sharp knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes cheese (dairy).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 371
  • Total Fat: 24.7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13.8 g
  • Protein: 24.7 g