La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
The La Scala Chopped Salad has long been a beloved menu item at the iconic Beverly Hills restaurant, and for good reason. This vibrant, flavor-packed salad has developed a cult following among discerning diners who crave a refreshing yet satisfying lunch or side dish. With its perfectly chopped ingredients and signature Italian-inspired dressing, it’s no wonder this salad has become a perennial favorite.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the La Scala original or simply seeking a new way to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. With its balance of crisp vegetables, savory proteins, and a zesty vinaigrette, the La Scala Chopped Salad is a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets the La Scala Chopped Salad apart is its impeccable balance of flavors and textures. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and savory salami or turkey creates a delightful contrast that keeps each bite interesting. The inclusion of crunchy garbanzo beans and tangy Parmesan cheese further enhances the salad’s appeal, while the house-made Italian dressing ties all the components together seamlessly.
Beyond its exceptional taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a light main course, a refreshing side dish, or even a make-ahead option for busy weeknights, the La Scala Chopped Salad is sure to satisfy. Its accessibility and ease of preparation make it a go-to choice for those seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be tailored to individual preferences.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare La Scala Chopped Salad ❓
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 oz salami or turkey, diced
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
The beauty of this La Scala Chopped Salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of fresh romaine, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and savory proteins creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made chopped salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the salad ingredients.
• Step 3: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian chopped salads which can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this La Scala Chopped Salad saves you 20 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sodium: 778mg
These La Scala Chopped Salads provide approximately 15% of your daily protein requirements and 32% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the garbanzo beans with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free Italian dressing for a completely dairy-free salad.
• Added protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced cucumber, sliced bell peppers, or shredded carrots to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the La Scala Chopped Salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the La Scala Chopped Salad with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.
• Complement the salad with a bowl of minestrone or tomato basil soup for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
• For a picnic or outdoor gathering, serve the La Scala Chopped Salad on a large platter alongside grilled proteins, fresh fruit, and assorted cheeses.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Dressing the salad too far in advance: Wait to toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
• Using a heavy hand with the dressing: Start with a small amount of dressing and toss gently to coat the salad, adding more as needed to avoid a heavy, overly dressed salad.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These La Scala Chopped Salads retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: The individual components (chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, etc.) can be prepped and frozen separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling and dressing the salad.
• Freezing baked: The La Scala Chopped Salad does not freeze well once dressed and assembled. For best results, store the individual components separately and assemble just before serving.
• Reheating: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating, as it can cause the vegetables to become wilted and the dressing to separate.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the La Scala Chopped Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the individual components of the salad in advance. Chop the lettuce, dice the tomatoes and avocado, and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply assemble the salad and toss with the dressing.
Can I substitute different proteins in the salad?
Absolutely! The salad is equally delicious with diced grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled feta cheese instead of the salami or turkey. Feel free to experiment with your preferred protein source to customize the flavor profile.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make a dairy-free version of the La Scala Chopped Salad by omitting the Parmesan cheese and using a dairy-free Italian dressing. Look for plant-based Parmesan alternatives or simply leave the cheese out altogether.
Why is my salad watery or soggy?
Overchoping the ingredients or dressing the salad too far in advance can cause the lettuce to become watery and soggy. Be sure to chop the romaine to a consistent size and wait to dress the salad until just before serving to maintain the desired texture.
Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! The La Scala Chopped Salad is highly versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional vegetables. Try adding diced cucumber, sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even roasted beets for extra color and crunch.
Conclusion
These La Scala Chopped Salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light main course or a refreshing side dish, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and sophisticated Italian-inspired flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these chopped salads demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not treat yourself to the iconic taste of the La Scala Chopped Salad and experience the joy of a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare at home?
Print
La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 oz salami or turkey, diced
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, rinsed and drained garbanzo beans, and diced salami or turkey.
• Step 2: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the salad ingredients.
• Step 3: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
