A Hollywood-Inspired Iconic Salad Bursting with Fresh Flavor and Italian Flair
Want to enjoy the crisp, savory chopped salad made famous by Los Angeles’ elite? Try this flavorful La Scala Chopped Salad recipe at home and bring a bit of Beverly Hills glam to your kitchen. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.
Introduction
When it comes to iconic restaurant dishes, few recipes have the cult status of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad. Originating from the renowned La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, this salad is as glamorous as its Hollywood fans and has earned its place as a go-to favorite among celebrities and foodies alike.
What makes it so special? It’s all about the finely chopped crisp lettuce, savory Genoa salami, creamy mozzarella, hearty garbanzo beans, and tangy vinaigrette—all tossed together to create a perfectly balanced bite every time. Unlike other salads that are more about the greens, this chopped salad is a celebration of textures and bold flavors.
And now, you don’t need a reservation in Los Angeles to enjoy it. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in just 15 minutes at home. Whether you’re serving it as a light entrée, a side dish, or a meal prep staple, this salad is bound to become a favorite.
Tools Needed, Number of People, and Cooking Time
Tools Needed:
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Salad tongs or spoons
Servings:
Serves 4 to 6 people
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups (450 g) finely chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (150 g) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup (75 g) Genoa salami, diced
- ½ cup (75 g) mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded
- 2 tablespoons (10 g) fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture becomes emulsified and slightly thickened.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the salad. This tangy, balanced dressing is the key to capturing the authentic La Scala flavor.
Step 2: Chop and Combine the Salad Ingredients
On a clean cutting board, finely chop the iceberg lettuce into small, bite-sized pieces. This is a critical step—La Scala’s salad is known for its fine chop, which allows all the ingredients to be evenly distributed and enjoyed in every bite.
Next, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the Genoa salami, and dice or shred the mozzarella cheese. If you’re using fresh basil, finely chop it as well.
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, salami, mozzarella, and basil (if using).
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Using salad tongs or spoons, gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Once combined, serve immediately to preserve the crispness of the lettuce and the freshness of the other ingredients.
Step 4: Optional Additions
Want to elevate your salad further? Try adding any of these ingredients:
- Sliced pepperoncini for a tangy bite
- Black or Kalamata olives for a briny twist
- Avocado slices for creaminess
- Hard-boiled eggs for added protein
- Croutons or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch
Recommendations for Recipe Success
Finely Chop All Ingredients
The defining feature of this salad is its uniform chop. Avoid large chunks—chop the lettuce, salami, and mozzarella into small, even pieces so every forkful has a bit of everything.
Use High-Quality Ingredients
Because the ingredient list is short, quality matters. Use fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, good-quality salami, and real mozzarella. Canned garbanzo beans should be well-rinsed to remove excess sodium and residue.
Chill Before Serving
If you have time, chill the chopped ingredients (lettuce, salami, cheese, beans) for 30 minutes before tossing. This makes the salad extra refreshing and gives the flavors time to meld.
Add Dressing Just Before Serving
To keep the lettuce crisp and avoid sogginess, toss the salad with the dressing right before serving. You can prepare everything in advance and store separately until mealtime.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Ideas
- As a Main Course: Serve a large portion on its own or with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for added protein.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with Italian entrees like lasagna, spaghetti, or eggplant parmesan.
- For Entertaining: Make a double batch for potlucks, brunches, or BBQs—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Storage
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, though the lettuce may lose crispness.
- Make Ahead: Chop all ingredients and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Keep separate until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute iceberg lettuce with another type of lettuce?
Yes. While iceberg gives the most authentic crunch, you can use Romaine, green leaf, or even butter lettuce. Just make sure to chop it finely for that signature texture.
2. Is it necessary to use Genoa salami?
Genoa salami adds a specific savory flavor, but you can substitute with turkey salami, prosciutto, or even diced grilled chicken for a lighter version.
3. What kind of mozzarella should I use?
Use low-moisture mozzarella for easy slicing and texture, or fresh mozzarella pearls for a more elevated touch. Both work well, depending on your preference.
4. How can I make this salad vegetarian?
Simply leave out the salami and double up on garbanzo beans or add another plant-based protein like roasted chickpeas or tofu.
5. Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely. While the classic La Scala vinaigrette is key to its unique flavor, you can also try balsamic vinaigrette, lemon-garlic dressing, or Italian herb dressing as alternatives.
Conclusion
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad isn’t just a salad—it’s a Beverly Hills legacy that has found its way into home kitchens around the country. With its crisp lettuce, rich salami, creamy mozzarella, hearty garbanzo beans, and bold vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
Best of all, it’s quick, easy, and versatile—ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required. Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying or hosting guests who appreciate a taste of culinary fame, this chopped salad will never disappoint.
Give it a try, and see why this iconic dish has earned its place in the spotlight. Serve it as is or make it your own with custom add-ins, and you’ve got a new favorite recipe that brings a taste of LA glam right to your table.
