Can I use a different kind of lettuce?

Absolutely! Romaine and iceberg are classic for crunch and mildness, but you can mix in spinach, butter lettuce, or arugula for a different texture and flavor profile. Just keep in mind softer greens won’t hold up as well once dressed.

Is there a vegetarian way to make this salad?

Yes! Omit the salami and perhaps add in extra chickpeas, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for more heft and flavor. The cheese in the dressing and in the salad still offers plenty of richness.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely. In fact, letting the dressing sit in the fridge overnight makes the flavors even better. Just give it a good shake or whisk before pouring over your greens.

What’s the best way to keep the salad crisp if I want to enjoy leftovers?

The secret is storing the dressing separately and tossing only what you’re about to eat. If you do have leftovers already dressed, press a layer of plastic wrap right against the surface inside the container to reduce air exposure and keep the greens fresher.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

This iconic La Scala Chopped Salad delivers everything you want from a restaurant-worthy salad—crunchy lettuce, tender chickpeas, zesty Italian salami, and a mouthwatering, tangy dressing, all tossed together in a matter of minutes. Created for the fast-paced, flavor-craving home cook, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh, filling, and fabulous with hardly any effort. Each bite brings a medley of crisp, creamy, salty, and sharp flavors you’ll keep coming back to—and you won’t believe how easy it is to prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy to Prepare: This salad can be chopped, tossed, and ready to eat in under 20 minutes. It doesn’t get much faster than that for a full meal!
Full of Flavor and Texture: Between the tender romaine, crunchy iceberg, creamy mozzarella, and bold salami, every forkful has a little bit of everything.
Fills You Up: Thanks to the protein-packed chickpeas and hearty ingredients, this isn’t just a side—it’s a meal in itself.
Easy to Customize: Have fun mixing up the greens, cheeses, or even adding extra veggies to suit your cravings or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients, and you’ll be amazed by how just a few staples come together for something so crave-worthy.

Iceberg Lettuce: Adds freshness and a satisfying crunch, making the base extra light and crisp.
Romaine Lettuce: Offers a slightly deeper flavor and more nutrients than iceberg, balancing out the mix.
Chickpeas: These give you a great source of plant-based protein and add a tender, buttery texture.
Italian Salami: Real Italian salami (not lunchmeat style) is a must for authentic, rich flavor. Look for the kind near the cheese section!
Mozzarella Cheese: For creamy pockets throughout; you can use pre-shredded to save time or shred it yourself for a silkier bite.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of a truly great dressing; choose the best you can find for fruity, bright undertones.
Red Wine Vinegar: Lifts and brightens all the other flavors in the salad, providing essential zing.
Fresh Garlic: Adds punch to the dressing; don’t be shy if you love garlic!
Dijon Mustard (or Dry Mustard): Makes the dressing creamy, tangy, and ever-so-slightly sharp.
Kosher Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to round everything out.
Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese: Grated into the dressing for a nutty, salty backbone that coats every bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This salad is made for experimenting based on your mood or what you have in the fridge:

Protein Swap: Try grilled chicken breast, turkey, or even canned tuna if you prefer something lighter than salami.
Extra Veggies: Add thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, pepperoncini, or cherry tomatoes for more crunch and color.
Vegan Version: Leave out the salami and choose a dairy-free cheese or extra chickpeas for a plant-based take.
Cheese Choices: Go with provolone, asiago, or a mix of hard Italian cheeses for a new twist on the classic flavor.

How to Make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Step 1: Whisk or Shake the Dressing

Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard (or dry mustard), salt, pepper, and Pecorino Romano or Parmesan in a small bowl or jar. Whisk vigorously or pop on the lid and shake until fully blended. You should have a creamy, lightly thickened dressing with flecks of cheese throughout.

Step 2: Build Your Salad

In a large bowl, toss together shredded iceberg, shredded romaine, well-rinsed chickpeas, sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella. Pour the dressing over top—don’t hold back!

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Use tongs or clean hands to gently toss everything until each piece of lettuce is slick with dressing and the other ingredients are distributed evenly. Taste and add extra cheese, salt, or pepper if you like.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Serve the salad immediately for maximum crunch and brightness. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Cold, Dry Greens: Spin or pat dry lettuce after washing; water-drenched greens can water down your flavors.
Let the Dressing Sit: If you have a few extra minutes, let the dressing sit before tossing—it gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
Slice Salami Thinly: Thinner slices distribute more flavor per bite, adding to the salad’s signature feel.
Toss Immediately Before Serving: Mix the salad just before eating to keep everything crisp, especially if using store-bought pre-shredded lettuce.

How to Serve

This La Scala Chopped Salad shines as a meal all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few other dishes:

Serve It With:

Crusty Bread: Use a warm baguette or focaccia to sop up any leftover dressing.
Soup: A cup of minestrone or tomato basil makes a comforting pairing.
Pizza Night Side: Serve alongside your favorite pizza for an Italian-inspired dinner that’s both filling and fresh.

Plating Tips:

Scatter extra grated cheese and a few twists of black pepper on top for a restaurant finish.
Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1–2 days. The lettuce will soften a bit but the flavors remain fantastic.

For Meal Prep

If you want to get ahead, prep all your components (chopped lettuce, rinsed chickpeas, shredded cheese, and sliced salami) and store them separately. Mix the dressing and refrigerate. Assemble and toss everything just before serving for peak crispness.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad—lettuce and cheese don’t do well in the freezer.

Reheating

No need! This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of lettuce?

Absolutely! Romaine and iceberg are classic for crunch and mildness, but you can mix in spinach, butter lettuce, or arugula for a different texture and flavor profile. Just keep in mind softer greens won’t hold up as well once dressed.
Is there a vegetarian way to make this salad?

Yes! Omit the salami and perhaps add in extra chickpeas, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for more heft and flavor. The cheese in the dressing and in the salad still offers plenty of richness.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely. In fact, letting the dressing sit in the fridge overnight makes the flavors even better. Just give it a good shake or whisk before pouring over your greens.
What’s the best way to keep the salad crisp if I want to enjoy leftovers?

The secret is storing the dressing separately and tossing only what you’re about to eat. If you do have leftovers already dressed, press a layer of plastic wrap right against the surface inside the container to reduce air exposure and keep the greens fresher.

Final Thoughts

Bringing the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad home means you’re in for vibrant flavors, incredible crunch, and a restaurant experience without leaving your kitchen. Quick enough for busy nights but still special enough to impress, this salad is truly a winner. Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to for easy, delicious dinners—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat!