Description
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and hearty Italian-inspired salad featuring a mix of shredded iceberg and romaine lettuces, chickpeas, Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella, all tossed in a tangy and flavorful homemade dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Pecorino Romano cheese. This easy-to-make salad captures a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors, ideal for a light lunch or a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- â…“ 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
- â…“ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated parmesan cheese
Salad
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce (5-6 cups)
- 1 head shredded romaine lettuce (4-5 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Add the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (or dry mustard), kosher salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese into a small bowl or jar. Whisk vigorously or close the lid and shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth and flavorful dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded romaine lettuce, drained and rinsed chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the salad ingredients with the dressing until everything is evenly coated, ensuring a uniform distribution of flavors and textures throughout the salad.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture, or chill briefly if preferred. This salad pairs well as a main course or a deli-style side dish.
Notes
- You can use Parmesan cheese as a substitute for Pecorino Romano if preferred.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the Italian salami or replace it with a vegetarian deli meat.
- Make sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh to preserve the crispness of the lettuce.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of the salami and cheese.
