La Scala Chopped Salad: Your New Celebrity-Approved Lunch
Move over, basic salads, there’s a reason every A-lister in LA is obsessed with the La Scala Chopped Salad. It’s the ultimate power lunch, the salad that’s practically a VIP itself, and now you can make it at home…no reservations (or paparazzi) required!
Why Is Everyone Obsessed With the La Scala Salad?
If a salad could have star power, this one would have a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Originally created by La Scala, a legendary Beverly Hills Italian restaurant, this salad is known for its finely chopped lettuce, salami, garbanzo beans, and that chefs-kiss signature dressing. It’s simple, satisfying, and totally addictive. Celebs love it and now, you’re about to become its biggest fan.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have the right gear. Because having the right tools makes all the difference (and bonus, they make you feel like a pro). Grab these salad essentials:
- A Sharp Chef’s Knife – Precision chopping is key here. This one is my go-to for getting that perfect fine chop.
- A Large Salad Bowl – You need space to toss everything together like a true salad artist. This one is stylish and functional.
- A Salad Dressing Shaker – For emulsifying the dressing to perfection. Love this one for its grip and durability.
- Salad Spinner – To make sure your greens are thoroughly washed…very important! This glass one is my favorite.
- Cheese Graters – You’ll need a large grater for the Mozzarella plus a smaller one for the Pecorino or Parmesan.
Pro Tips
- Chop, chop, chop! The key to this salad is the fine chop. The smaller, the better.
- Let it marinate. If you have time, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Make it your own. Swap salami for turkey, add avocado for some creaminess, or throw in some crushed red pepper for a little heat.
Pair It Like a Pro
This salad is a star on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, pair it with:
- A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc (because, duh)
- A slice of sourdough or garlic bread (because carbs are life)
- A side of marinated olives for an extra Italian touch
Ready to Bring La Scala to Your Kitchen?
There you have it, your own version of the La Scala chopped salad that’s graced the tables of Hollywood’s elite. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or your next dinner party, this salad is a great repeat recipe.
Stalk me on Insta @most.hearted and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for my favorite kitchen essentials and more awesome recipes sent to your inbox!
Buon appetito!
+ Check out my post on How To Buy High Quality Olive Oil
Gina
La Scala Chopped Salad
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 pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated parmesan cheese
Salad
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ¼ lb (4 ounces Italian salami thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Dressing
- Add all of the salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl or small jar. Whisk everything together or close the lid and shake to combine.
Salad
- To a large bowl, add the shredded lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and mozzarella cheese. Pour the prepared dressing on top and toss to coat.
- Enjoy right away!
