If you’re searching for a dish that bursts with crisp textures, zesty flavors, and vibrant colors all in one bowl, the Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful salad masterfully blends crunchy lettuces, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy homemade dressing that makes each bite sing with freshness. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or adding a lively side to your dinner table, this salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart and soul of the Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the crisp lettuce base to the punchy dressing that ties everything together.
- Romaine lettuce (2 cups, finely chopped): Provides a crisp, sturdy crunch with a mild, slightly bitter flavor that holds up well to the dressing.
- Iceberg lettuce (2 cups, finely chopped): Adds extra crunch and a refreshing, watery texture to lighten the salad.
- Salami (1/2 cup, diced): Brings a savory, slightly spicy depth with a satisfying chewiness for contrast.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, diced or shredded): Offers a creamy, mild richness that cools and balances the bolder ingredients.
- Chickpeas (1/3 cup, rinsed and drained): Adds a nutty flavor and a hearty bite, boosting protein and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/4 cup, halved): Bursts with juicy sweetness and vibrant color, brightening every forkful.
- Red onion (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Provides a sharp, tangy kick that elevates the salad’s complexity.
- Dressing Ingredients: Olive oil (1/4 cup), red wine vinegar (2 tbsp), Dijon mustard (1 tsp), garlic powder (1/2 tsp), salt and pepper to taste – this blend is the secret sauce that perfectly balances acidity, spice, and richness.
How to Make Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing packs a punch with its tangy and savory notes, complementing the fresh ingredients of the salad beautifully. Setting it aside allows the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Chop the Ingredients
Finely chop the romaine and iceberg lettuces to create a hearty, textured base that’s easy to eat. Dice the salami into bite-sized pieces and either dice or shred the mozzarella—both work beautifully here to distribute creamy flavors throughout.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the chopped lettuces with diced salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion. This mix creates a vibrant medley of textures and flavors, making every forkful exciting.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad evenly. Then toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient with that flavorful tang. The dressing brings everything together, making this salad irresistibly fresh and cohesive.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This salad is at its best when served right away. The freshness and crunch of the lettuces, combined with the mellow creaminess of mozzarella and the bold salami, coated in the bright, zesty dressing, make for a sensational eating experience.
How to Serve Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves atop your salad for an herbal aroma and a pop of green. For a little extra flair and texture, add toasted pine nuts or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the nutty, savory elements.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, crusty garlic bread, or a simple bowl of soup. Its fresh, lively character balances well with heartier mains, making it a perfect side to Mediterranean or Italian-inspired meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or clear glasses. Layer the salad and dressing separately to keep it crisp until guests are ready to toss and enjoy. It’s a charming presentation that’s ideal for picnics or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To keep the crispness intact, store the dressing separately and only toss the salad right before serving. This prevents soggy greens and maintains that fresh, vibrant texture.
Freezing
Because of the fresh lettuces and dressing, this salad is not suitable for freezing. The texture and flavor would suffer significantly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored briefly in the fridge.
Reheating
This salad shines cold and does not require reheating. If you want a warm accompaniment, consider heating a side dish like grilled bread or protein to pair with the salad.
FAQs
Can I substitute the salami with another protein?
Absolutely! Turkey, grilled chicken, or even roasted chickpeas work great if you want a different flavor or prefer a lighter option. Just be sure to keep the diced form to maintain that perfect bite-sized texture.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the salami or replacing it with a vegetarian-friendly protein like marinated tofu or extra chickpeas.
What can I use if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
Red wine vinegar is key for its subtle fruity tang, but you can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as alternatives. Just adjust amounts to taste since their acidity levels differ.
Can this salad be made vegan?
For a vegan version, skip the mozzarella and salami. You might add avocado or a vegan cheese substitute to maintain creaminess while keeping the refreshing spirit intact.
How long does the salad stay fresh after mixing?
Once tossed with dressing, the salad is best enjoyed immediately but will stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to 2 hours. After that, the lettuce may begin to wilt and lose its delightful crunch.
Final Thoughts
The Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is a fantastic blend of simplicity and flavor that elevates any mealtime. Its crisp, vibrant ingredients and zesty dressing make it not just a salad but a celebration in a bowl. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it soon—you’ll discover a new favorite for busy days or special occasions alike!
Print
Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad featuring a crisp blend of romaine and iceberg lettuces, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, protein-rich chickpeas, and vibrant cherry tomatoes tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad makes a perfect light lunch or side dish for four servings.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Chop the Ingredients: Finely chop the romaine and iceberg lettuces to create a crisp base. Dice the salami and mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the salad.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine, iceberg lettuce, diced salami, mozzarella, rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all components are lightly coated with the dressing for balanced flavor.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness and vibrant flavors. Ideal as a light meal or side salad for four servings.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- Use fresh and crisp lettuce varieties for the best texture and taste.
- Feel free to substitute salami with another cured meat or omit for a vegetarian option.
- This salad is best served fresh; storing with dressing can cause the lettuce to become soggy.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
