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 vibrant and satisfying dish packed with fresh romaine, savory Genoa salami, and creamy mozzarella. Its tangy red wine vinegar dressing perfectly balances the flavors, making it a delightful choice for lunch or a light dinner.

The dish features a shallow white bowl filled with three layers of food. The bottom layer is made of green pasta, slightly twisted, with a smooth texture. On top of the pasta, there are thin slices of red tomatoes and small pieces of white cheese scattered around. The top layer is a light sprinkle of grated cheese that covers the dish unevenly, adding a fine texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a glass of white wine and a knife and fork with wooden handles, and a woman's hand is partially visible holding the fork. 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 shred the mozzarella.
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 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 sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Serve chilled, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh mozzarella balls chopped into small pieces if available for a creamier texture.
Add chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the salad’s flavor.
For a vegetarian version, substitute salami with roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes.
Toss the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate it without dressing for up to 1 day and add the dressing just before serving. If the salad softens after storing, give it a gentle toss and add a splash more vinegar or olive oil to refresh the flavors.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl of pasta salad set on a white marbled surface, next to a fork with a wooden handle and a glass of white wine. The bowl is white with a light brown rim and is filled with three main layers of food: the bottom layer consists of green pasta shells, the middle layer has sliced red onions and pieces of tomato, and the top layer is sprinkled with shredded white cheese and chopped herbs. The textures range from soft pasta to crisp vegetables, with the colors of green, red, purple, and white all mixed together. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Toss everything together with the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What can I use instead of Genoa salami?

If you prefer a different flavor, try other cured meats like pepperoni, capicola, or prosciutto. For a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables or marinated artichokes work well.