This colorful La Scala Chopped Salad is a crunchy delight! It’s packed with fresh veggies, yummy salami, and a zesty dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for lunch or as a side!
You can customize it with your favorite toppings too! I love to eat it on a sunny day—it feels so fresh and light. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just chop, mix, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This forms the base of your salad, offering a nice crunch. If you don’t have romaine, feel free to use other greens like spinach or arugula!
Radicchio: It adds a lovely color and slightly bitter flavor. Don’t have it? Try using red cabbage for a similar look and texture.
Iceberg Lettuce: This gives a crisp crunch. You can skip it or replace it with more romaine or even cabbage if you need something more robust.
Chickpeas: These add protein and heartiness. If you’re looking for alternatives, white beans or even diced avocado can work well!
Salami: I love the flavor it brings, but you can swap it out for turkey or even a meatless option like marinated tofu for a vegetarian take.
Cheese: Provolone and Parmesan are great, but you can use mozzarella and pecorino if those are more to your taste or availability.
How Do You Make a Great Salad Dressing?
The dressing is key in this salad! It ties all the flavors together. Here’s how to nail it:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Whisk until it’s combined and slightly thickened—this step is important for a smooth texture.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to get the right balance.
Personal Tip: Make extra dressing! It keeps well in the fridge, and you can use it on other salads or grilled veggies. Enjoy your salad-making!
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup radicchio, finely chopped
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- ½ cup cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- ½ cup salami, cut into thin strips
- ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It includes time for chopping up all the fresh ingredients and whisking up the homemade dressing. The effort is minimal, yet the flavor is fantastic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Greens:
Start by rinsing and thoroughly drying all your leafy greens. Finely chop the romaine, radicchio, and iceberg lettuce, then place them into a large salad bowl. The mix of greens adds great color and a variety of textures!
2. Add the Salty and Crunchy Elements:
Next, toss in the cooked chickpeas, thinly sliced salami strips, shredded provolone, and grated Parmesan. If you like a little kick, add the chopped red onion and quartered cherry tomatoes for that fresh, juicy burst!
3. Whisk Together the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. Taste it, and feel free to adjust salt and pepper as needed!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Don’t be shy—get every bit of that tasty dressing onto the salad!
5. Toss and Serve:
Using tongs or a large spoon, toss the salad thoroughly until all ingredients are coated evenly in the dressing. This is where the magic happens!
6. Final Touches:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top for a nice finishing touch. It adds a pop of color and extra flavor!
7. Enjoy Your Salad:
Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and freshness. It’s delightful on its own or as a side dish. Enjoy your delicious La Scala Chopped Salad!
FAQ for Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This helps prevent the greens from becoming soggy. You can store the chopped salad in the fridge for up to 1 day and add the dressing just before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Salami?
If you’re looking for a different option, try diced turkey, ham, or even a meatless alternative like cooked quinoa for a vegetarian version. Tofu can also work well for a protein boost!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the salad is already dressed, it may become wilted, but still delicious! For best quality, consider keeping the dressing on the side until you’re ready to eat.
Can I Use Different Greens?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for romaine, radicchio, and iceberg lettuce, feel free to mix in other greens like spinach, kale, or arugula based on your preference. Just make sure everything is finely chopped for even texture.
