Famous La Scala Chopped Salad: A Classic Recipe From Hollywood’s Iconic Eatery
Indulge in the flavors of Hollywood with this iconic Famous La Scala Chopped Salad recipe. Originating from the renowned La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, this salad is a timeless classic loved by celebrities and food enthusiasts alike. With its crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy dressing, this salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and recreate a taste of Hollywood at home!
Ingredients:
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1/4 lb Italian salami, julienned
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
Instructions:
For the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dry ground mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside while you prepare the salad ingredients.
For the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce.
- Add the julienned Italian salami, grated mozzarella cheese, and rinsed and drained garbanzo beans to the bowl with the chopped lettuce.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and well combined.
- Serve the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to customize this salad by adding your favorite ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, black olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
- Make It a Meal: To turn this salad into a satisfying meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon on top for extra protein.
- Vegan Option: Omit the salami and cheese for a vegan version of this salad. Substitute with roasted vegetables, avocado, or tofu for added flavor and texture.
- Crunchy Topping: Add some crunch to your salad by sprinkling with toasted pine nuts, almonds, or crispy bacon bits before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Adaptations:
Keto Version:
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the sugar in the dressing.
- Replace the garbanzo beans with diced avocado or cucumber for a lower-carb option.
Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute the iceberg and romaine lettuce with mixed salad greens such as arugula or spinach for a lower-carb base.
- Use a low-carb Italian dressing or vinaigrette instead of the homemade dressing to reduce the carb count further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using.
2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this salad? While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains additives to prevent clumping. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend shredding the mozzarella cheese from a block just before using.
3. How long will this salad last in the refrigerator? This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt slightly over time.
4. Can I make this salad gluten-free? Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of any packaged ingredients such as salami to ensure they are gluten-free.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a timeless recipe that captures the essence of Hollywood’s iconic dining scene. With its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad is a celebration of simplicity and sophistication. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish at a glamorous dinner party, this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is sure to elevate any meal. So, gather your ingredients, toss up a bowl of this delicious salad, and savor a taste of Hollywood at home!
