Description
La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and hearty Italian-inspired salad featuring a crisp mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce, chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded mozzarella. Tossed in a tangy, garlicky dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Pecorino Romano cheese, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors ideal for a refreshing meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tsp Dijon mustard (or 1 tsp dry mustard)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- â…“ cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, grated
Salad
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely shredded
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ pound sliced Italian dry salami, cut into thin strips
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 15 cm cucumber, diced
- Small handful basil leaves, finely shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese in a small bowl or shake vigorously in a sealed jar until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
- Chop and Wash Your Lettuce: Finely shred both the iceberg and romaine lettuce. Rinse thoroughly under cold water, then dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to ensure crispness and reduce sogginess in your salad.
- Mix the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, drained and rinsed chickpeas, shredded mozzarella cheese, and thinly sliced Italian dry salami. Add the diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, and shredded basil leaves to build layers of fresh flavor and color.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat every bite with the bold, cheesy vinaigrette without bruising the delicate greens.
- Serve Fresh: Serve immediately to preserve the crisp texture and freshness of the salad. This dish is best enjoyed right away for optimal flavor and crunch.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing to prevent sogginess.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before using.
- Substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan if desired; both provide a salty, umami-rich flavor.
- This salad is versatile—feel free to add or omit ingredients based on preference or availability.
- Serve the salad on its own or as a side dish alongside Italian breads or grilled proteins for a complete meal.
