If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and a delightful zesty dressing, then you’re going to love this Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and bright cherry tomatoes—all tossed together with a tangy homemade dressing that will have you savoring every bite. This salad proves that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, create an irresistible dish that’s great for any occasion, from a light lunch to a stunning side at dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad’s magic lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. The fresh lettuces provide a crisp and crunchy base, while the salami and mozzarella lend rich, savory notes. Chickpeas add heartiness, and the cherry tomatoes offer bursts of sweetness and color. The dressing ties everything together with its bright, tangy punch.
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped: Provides a crisp, slightly bitter crunch that balances the salad.
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, finely chopped: Adds refreshing crunch and lightness to keep the salad crisp.
- 1/2 cup salami, diced: Delivers a savory, slightly spicy flavor that brings depth.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded: Offers creamy, mild richness that melts beautifully on your palate.
- 1/3 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained: Adds protein and a nutty texture for a hearty bite.
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts with sweet juiciness, brightening the salad’s flavor.
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped: Introduces a subtle bite and vibrant color contrast.
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The base of your dressing, rich and smooth.
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar: Adds tanginess that lifts all the salad flavors.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle kick and creaminess to the dressing.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Imparts savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balance.
How to Make Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together your olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing brings a bright, tangy layer to the salad that perfectly complements the savory and fresh ingredients. Set it aside so those flavors can meld while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Chop the Ingredients
Finely chop the romaine and iceberg lettuce until the pieces are bite-sized and easy to mix. Dice the salami and mozzarella into uniform chunks so every forkful includes a little bit of everything. The effort here will pay off with a beautifully textured salad that’s a pleasure to eat.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Next, gather all your chopped ingredients—lettuce, salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and red onion—and toss them together gently in a large bowl. This step ensures that the variety of flavors and textures distributes evenly for every mouthful.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixed salad, tossing thoroughly to make sure every piece is coated. The dressing enhances the salad’s natural flavors while adding a luscious, velvety finish. This is where the recipe truly comes alive.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
For the freshest taste and crunch, serve your Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe right away. Waiting too long can make the salad soggy, so enjoy it while the textures and flavors are all at their peak.
How to Serve Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad presentation and flavor, consider topping it with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. These add a lovely aroma and subtle crunch that complements the existing ingredients beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chopped salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, crusty bread, or even a light pasta dish. Its bright, fresh flavors and satisfying textures make it a versatile companion to many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass bowl or individual jars for a visually stunning effect. Alternately, serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or alongside a platter of antipasto for a vibrant Italian-inspired spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad undressed in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps keep the lettuces crisp. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving again.
Freezing
Because this salad features fresh lettuce and delicate ingredients, freezing is not recommended. It will compromise texture and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to gently warm the salad proteins like salami and mozzarella, do so separately and then combine with the fresh greens and dressing.
FAQs
Can I substitute the salami with another meat?
Absolutely! Turkey pepperoni, ham, or even grilled chicken can be delicious alternatives, depending on your preference and dietary needs.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
If you remove the salami or replace it with a plant-based protein, this Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe can be made vegetarian-friendly without losing its charm.
How long will the salad stay fresh after tossing with the dressing?
The salad is best consumed immediately, but if necessary, it can hold up for a few hours in the fridge. Beyond that, the lettuce may start to wilt and lose its crispness.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives to customize the salad to your liking. Just keep the chopped texture consistent for the best experience.
What’s the best way to dice mozzarella for this recipe?
Use a sharp knife and cut the mozzarella into small, uniform cubes or shred it if preferred for a softer texture that blends seamlessly with the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is a joyous celebration of fresh, bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for warm-weather meals, and suits a variety of tastes and occasions. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite salad that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Print
Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant La Scala Chopped Salad featuring a mix of romaine and iceberg lettuces, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, chickpeas, and fresh cherry tomatoes, tossed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a crisp side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded
- 1/3 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set the dressing aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Chop the Ingredients: Finely chop the romaine and iceberg lettuces. Dice the salami and mozzarella into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine and iceberg lettuces, diced salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion. Gently toss the ingredients to mix evenly.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the La Scala Chopped Salad immediately to enjoy its crisp and fresh texture at its best.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or shredded mozzarella for easier mixing.
- Adjust the garlic powder and mustard according to your taste preference.
- Chickpeas add protein and fiber; canned chickpeas should be rinsed well to reduce sodium.
- Serve the salad chilled for extra refreshing flavor.
