Name: Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 heads romaine lettuce, finely chopped; 1 cup finely chopped Genoa salami; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce with savory Genoa salami, creamy mozzarella, and protein-rich chickpeas. Its zesty dressing and fresh ingredients make it a perfect meal for any time of day.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a fresh, colorful salad placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has about five layers: at the bottom are dark green spinach leaves, followed by a layer of mixed light green lettuce and cucumber slices. On top of these are thin slices of red onion and small pieces of red tomato scattered evenly. The salad is topped with a sprinkling of grated white cheese and small dark peppercorns or seeds. To the right of the bowl is a fork with a wooden handle and a glass of white wine. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 heads romaine lettuce, finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped Genoa salami
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Finely chop the romaine lettuce, Genoa salami, and mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess liquid.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the dressing.
Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 6: Let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Serve the salad chilled, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch.
Use fresh oregano if available for a brighter herb flavor.
Add cherry tomatoes or diced cucumbers for extra freshness and color.
For a creamier dressing, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the dressing separate and toss the salad just before serving. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A top-down view of a white bowl filled with a fresh chopped salad showing about three layers; the base layer is made of mixed leafy greens with different textures and shades of green, the middle layer contains chunks of red onion, small pieces of crispy bacon, and bits of diced white cabbage, and the top layer is sprinkled with grated cheese and black pepper giving a speckled effect over the colorful salad. Some bacon bits are scattered around the bowl on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop all the ingredients in advance and store them separately. However, it’s best to mix with the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp.

What can I substitute for Genoa salami?

If you don’t have Genoa salami, you can use pepperoni, soppressata, or even cooked and sliced smoked sausage for a similar flavor profile.