Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

This La Scala chopped salad is a famous restaurant salad that actually lives up to the hype. It’s crisp, salty, tangy, and packed with enough texture and flavor to feel like a full meal instead of a side. Between the finely chopped lettuce, garbanzo beans, salami, mozzarella, and that signature dressing, every bite has a little bit of everything. If you’ve been looking for a chopped salad that’s simple but genuinely worth making at home, this is a great one to keep in rotation.

Why This La Scala Chopped Salad is Famous

I get why this salad has such a loyal following, because it doesn’t eat like a boring side salad at all. The chopped iceberg stays crisp, the garbanzo beans make it more filling, the salami adds that salty bite, and the mozzarella keeps it balanced. It’s a salad where the ingredients are simple, but the combination just works. 

What really makes this version stand out is the dressing. A good La Scala chopped salad needs that tangy, savory, slightly creamy dressing to pull everything together, and that’s what gives the salad its signature flavor. After making this recipe for the first time and eating it almost every day that week, I can see why the Kardashian's love it so much, and why it's referred to as the "Kardashian salad."

I also love this recipe because it’s easy enough to make for lunch or dinner, but it still feels like something special once it’s tossed together. If you’re tired of basic house salads and want one you'll actually be excited about eating, this is a good place to start. A fellow reader, Ashley Bell, even said:

“The best salad I have ever made it’s delicious!”

Ingredients for La Scala Chopped Salad

Here's what you'll need for the salad:

• 1 head iceberg lettuce rinsed and finely chopped
• ½ lb. Italian salami julienned
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup garbanzo beans, rinsed and well-drained

And for the homemade dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

How To Make La Scala Chopped Salad

Step 1. Make the dressing

In a large glass or container, combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Give everything a whisk until well blended.

Step 2. Prep

 Finely chop the iceberg lettuce, drain and rinse the garbanzo beans, and cut the salami into strips.

Step 3. Mix the salad

Add the chopped lettuce, salami, mozzarella cheese, and garbanzo beans to a large bowl. Pour the mixed dressing on the salad. Using salad spoons, toss the salad with the dressing until the dressing completely covers the salad ingredients.

Step 4. Serve

Finish the salad by topping it with parmesan cheese. Serve in individual bowls and enjoy!

Expert tips for The Best La Scala Chopped Salad

• Chop the lettuce finely. That’s a big part of what makes this salad work. Smaller pieces help the dressing coat everything better and give you a little of each ingredient in every bite.
• Dry the lettuce well. If the lettuce is wet, the dressing won’t cling the same way and the salad can taste watered down.
• Drain the garbanzo beans really well. Extra moisture from the beans can thin the dressing and make the salad less crisp.
• Use good salami. Since there aren’t a ton of ingredients here, the flavor of the salami matters. A good Italian salami makes a noticeable difference.
• Shred the mozzarella instead of using big chunks. Smaller pieces mix in better and keep the salad closer to that classic chopped texture.
• Whisk the dressing until fully combined. The olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, salt, pepper, and Parmesan should look smooth and slightly creamy before tossing with the salad.
• Toss right before serving. That keeps the lettuce crisp and the salad tasting fresh.
• Use enough dressing to coat everything evenly. This salad is best when every bite gets some of that tangy dressing, not just the top layer.
• Serve it cold. This salad is at its best when the ingredients are chilled and crisp.
• Let the flavors sit for a minute after tossing. Just a short rest helps the dressing soak into the lettuce, salami, cheese, and beans without making the salad soggy.

La Scala Chopped Salad FAQS

What is in the original La Scala chopped salad?

The classic La Scala chopped salad is known for finely chopped iceberg lettuce, salami, mozzarella, garbanzo beans, and a tangy vinaigrette-style dressing. Different copycat versions vary a little, but those are the ingredients that give it its signature flavor and texture.

Why is La Scala chopped salad so popular?

It’s popular because it doesn’t taste like a basic side salad. The chopped texture makes every bite better, the salami and cheese give it more flavor, the garbanzo beans make it more filling, and the dressing ties everything together. It’s simple, but the balance of ingredients makes it memorable.

Can I make La Scala chopped salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to prep the ingredients separately and toss everything together right before serving. You can chop the lettuce, slice the salami, shred the mozzarella, drain the garbanzo beans, and make the dressing ahead of time. That keeps the salad crisp instead of soggy.

What kind of lettuce is best for La Scala chopped salad?

Iceberg lettuce is the best choice because it gives the salad its classic crisp texture. Since this is a chopped salad, that crunch matters a lot. Romaine can work in a pinch, but iceberg is what gives it that signature bite.

Can I use a different cheese in La Scala chopped salad?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for this style of salad, but provolone or another mild Italian cheese can work too. Still, shredded mozzarella gives the salad the closest texture and flavor to the restaurant-style version.

What dressing goes on La Scala chopped salad?

A tangy dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, salt, and pepper is what makes this salad taste right. It’s light enough to keep the salad fresh, but flavorful enough to coat every bite well.

Can I add more protein to La Scala chopped salad?

Yes. Salami already adds protein, but you can make it even more filling with grilled chicken, turkey, extra beans, or even tuna if you want to turn it into more of a full meal.

How long does La Scala chopped salad last in the fridge?

Once dressed, it’s best eaten the same day. If you store the components separately, the chopped lettuce, salami, cheese, beans, and dressing can all be kept in the fridge for a day or two and tossed together when you’re ready to serve.

Do you have to chop everything small for a chopped salad?

Yes, that’s part of what makes a chopped salad so good. Finely chopping the lettuce and keeping the other ingredients small helps the dressing coat everything evenly and gives you a little of everything in each bite.

Is La Scala chopped salad a main dish or a side dish?

It can be either. It works as a side salad, but because it has salami, mozzarella, and garbanzo beans, it’s filling enough to be lunch or a lighter dinner too.

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