La Scala Chopped Salad

This famous La Scala chopped salad recreates the iconic Beverly Hills restaurant’s signature dish that has been delighting diners since the 1950s with its perfect balance of crisp vegetables, rich salami, creamy cheese, and tangy Italian dressing. Every ingredient is finely chopped to create uniform bites where all flavors meld together harmoniously, making this more than just a salad – it’s a complete, satisfying meal. If you enjoy this style of hearty, Italian-inspired composed salad, you might also like antipasto salads, Italian cobb salads, or other classic restaurant recreations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality at home – recreates the exact flavors and presentation of the legendary Beverly Hills restaurant dish using accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques
• Perfectly balanced nutrition – combines fresh vegetables, quality protein, and healthy fats in ideal proportions for a satisfying meal that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy
• Make-ahead friendly – all components can be prepped in advance and assembled just before serving, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep
• Customizable foundation – serves as an excellent base that can be adapted with different proteins, vegetables, or dressing variations while maintaining its essential character

Ingredients Breakdown

Iceberg lettuce: The crisp foundation that provides refreshing crunch and neutral flavor that allows other ingredients to shine. While food trends often dismiss iceberg as nutritionally inferior, its high water content and satisfying crunch make it perfect for this application. Choose heads that feel heavy for their size with crisp, tightly packed leaves. The lettuce should be completely dry after washing to prevent the dressing from becoming diluted. Iceberg’s mild flavor and sturdy texture hold up well to the rich dressing and other bold ingredients without wilting quickly.

Italian salami: Provides the signature protein and distinctive flavor that makes this salad memorable and substantial. Traditional Genoa salami works perfectly, offering the right balance of spice and richness without overwhelming the vegetables. The salami should be high-quality with good marbling and authentic Italian seasonings. When chopping, cut it into small, uniform pieces that distribute evenly throughout the salad. The fat in the salami adds richness and helps carry the flavors of the herbs and spices throughout each bite.

Mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy richness and mild flavor that balances the salty salami and tangy dressing. Fresh mozzarella provides the best texture and flavor, though low-moisture mozzarella works well and holds its shape better when chopped. The cheese should be diced into small cubes similar in size to the other ingredients for the most authentic presentation. Buffalo mozzarella offers superior flavor if available, but regular whole milk mozzarella creates perfectly delicious results.

Garbanzo beans: Contribute protein, fiber, and satisfying substance that makes this salad a complete meal. Canned chickpeas are convenient and work perfectly when drained and rinsed thoroughly. The beans add a nutty flavor and creamy texture that complements the other ingredients while providing nutritional density. For enhanced flavor, you can quickly sauté the drained beans with garlic and herbs before adding to the salad, though this isn’t traditional.

Italian dressing: The signature element that ties all ingredients together and provides the distinctive La Scala flavor profile. The dressing should be high-quality with good balance of oil, vinegar, and seasonings. Many prefer to make homemade dressing for the freshest flavor, combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and other Italian herbs. The dressing amount should coat all ingredients lightly without creating a puddle in the bottom of the bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by washing and thoroughly drying 1 large head of iceberg lettuce. Remove any damaged outer leaves and cut out the core. The lettuce must be completely dry to prevent diluting the dressing and ensure the best texture. Use a salad spinner if available, then pat with paper towels to remove all moisture. Proper drying is crucial for maintaining the crisp texture that defines this salad.
2. Using a sharp knife, chop the dried lettuce into small, uniform pieces approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size. The chopping should create pieces small enough to eat easily in one bite but large enough to maintain some textural interest. Consistent sizing ensures even distribution of dressing and creates the signature appearance of this salad. Place the chopped lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
3. Dice 4 ounces of Italian salami into small cubes, removing any casing first. The pieces should be roughly the same size as your lettuce pieces for uniform bites. High-quality salami will have good marbling and authentic Italian seasonings that contribute significantly to the overall flavor profile. If the salami seems fatty, you can briefly pat the pieces with paper towels, though some fat is desirable for flavor.
4. Cut 4 ounces of mozzarella cheese into small cubes matching the size of your other ingredients. Fresh mozzarella provides the best flavor and texture, though it should be well-drained to prevent excess moisture. If using fresh mozzarella that seems very wet, pat the cubes gently with paper towels after cutting. The cheese should hold its shape and not break down into mush when mixed.
5. Drain and rinse 1 can (15 ounces) of garbanzo beans thoroughly under cold water to remove the canning liquid and any excess sodium. Shake the strainer well to remove as much water as possible. The beans should be tender but not mushy, and completely drained to prevent making the salad watery. If desired, you can remove some of the skins for a more refined presentation, though this isn’t necessary.
6. Add the diced salami, mozzarella cubes, and drained garbanzo beans to the bowl with the chopped lettuce. Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute them evenly throughout the lettuce base. The mixing should be gentle to avoid crushing any of the ingredients, particularly the cheese and lettuce.
7. Prepare the dressing by whisking together 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and all ingredients are fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – the dressing should be tangy but balanced.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all components evenly. Use clean hands or salad tongs to ensure everything is well-coated without bruising the lettuce. The amount of dressing should coat all ingredients lightly without pooling in the bottom of the bowl. Add more dressing gradually if needed.
9. Let the dressed salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. This brief resting period helps the lettuce absorb some of the dressing flavors while maintaining its crisp texture. During this time, the various components will begin to marry into the cohesive flavor profile that makes this salad special.
10. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar. Serve immediately on chilled plates for the best texture and flavor experience. The salad should be consumed within 30 minutes of dressing for optimal crispness, though the flavors continue to develop nicely during this time.

Perfect Texture: What to Look For

The hallmark of an authentic La Scala chopped salad is the harmony achieved through uniform chopping that creates consistent bites where all flavors blend seamlessly. The lettuce should maintain its crisp, refreshing crunch while being coated lightly with dressing. The salami pieces should be tender and flavorful, the cheese cubes should retain their shape while adding creamy richness, and the garbanzo beans should provide satisfying substance without being mushy. The overall texture should be varied but harmonious, with each ingredient contributing its unique character while supporting the whole. When properly prepared, every forkful should contain a balanced mix of all components.

Customization Options

While this salad is beloved in its traditional form, it adapts beautifully to personal preferences and dietary needs. For additional vegetables, consider adding diced tomatoes, red onion, or roasted red peppers, though drain tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture. Turkey or ham can substitute for salami for milder flavor, while vegetarians can replace the meat with additional cheese, marinated artichoke hearts, or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, add hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken. The beans can be varied too – cannellini beans or kidney beans work well as alternatives to chickpeas.

Practical Tips

Chopping technique: The key to authentic La Scala salad is consistent, small chopping of all ingredients. Take time to ensure uniform sizes, as this affects both appearance and the way flavors combine in each bite. A sharp knife makes this process much easier and safer, creating clean cuts that don’t bruise the lettuce or cheese.

Make-ahead strategy: All ingredients can be chopped and stored separately up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the lettuce in one container, the protein and cheese in another, and the beans separately. Combine everything and dress just before serving to maintain optimal texture. The dressing can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Dressing balance: Start with less dressing than you think you need and add gradually. Over-dressed salad becomes soggy and loses its appealing texture. The goal is to coat all ingredients lightly while enhancing rather than masking their individual flavors. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Serving temperature: Serve the salad on chilled plates for the best experience, and consider chilling the mixing bowl beforehand as well. The contrast between the cool, crisp salad and room temperature dressing creates the most appealing eating experience.

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of lettuce? While iceberg is traditional and provides the signature crunch, romaine lettuce can substitute if you prefer more nutritional density. Avoid delicate greens like mixed baby greens, which will wilt quickly under the weight of the dressing and other ingredients. The sturdy texture of iceberg is part of what makes this salad distinctive.

How long will the dressed salad keep? For best quality, consume within 30 minutes of dressing. The salad will remain edible for 2-3 hours refrigerated, but the lettuce will begin to wilt and lose its crisp texture. If you need to transport the salad, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving.

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative. You might want to add extra salami or beans to maintain the protein content, or include avocado for richness. The salad will still be delicious, though the flavor profile will be different from the original.

What if I can’t find good Italian salami? Any high-quality cured meat will work, though the flavor will vary. Pepperoni, sopressata, or even good deli turkey can substitute. Choose something with good flavor and appropriate saltiness to balance the other ingredients. The key is using something with enough character to stand up to the other bold flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This substantial salad works beautifully as a complete lunch or light dinner, especially when served with crusty Italian bread or focaccia. For dinner parties, serve it as a starter before Italian entrees like osso buco or chicken parmigiana. The salad also makes an excellent addition to buffet spreads, particularly for casual entertaining or potluck gatherings where its make-ahead friendly nature shines.

Consider serving individual portions in chilled bowls for more elegant presentation, or offer it family-style in a large wooden bowl for casual gatherings. Pair with Italian wines like Pinot Grigio or Chianti that complement the salami and cheese while refreshing the palate. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve alongside antipasto items like olives, marinated vegetables, and additional cheeses and cured meats.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad provides excellent nutritional balance by combining fresh vegetables, quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in appealing proportions. The lettuce contributes hydration and some vitamins while remaining very low in calories. The garbanzo beans provide plant-based protein, fiber, and important minerals like folate and manganese that support various bodily functions. The mozzarella cheese adds calcium and additional protein, while the salami provides complete protein and B vitamins.

The olive oil in the dressing contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help with nutrient absorption from the vegetables. By focusing on whole, minimally processed ingredients, this salad provides sustained energy and satisfaction without relying on refined ingredients or excessive calories. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making this an excellent choice for sustained energy and appetite satisfaction that supports overall wellness goals.