If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful salad that brightens up any meal, the Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad brings together crisp romaine and iceberg lettuces with savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and a zingy homemade dressing that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfectly balanced and packed with texture and color, it’s like a breath of fresh air on your plate, great for quick lunches or as a delightful side at dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role, combining fresh crunch, rich creaminess, and bold flavors that work together effortlessly.
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped: Adds a satisfying crunch and bright green color, delivering a crisp texture.
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, finely chopped: Provides a cool, crisp base that keeps the salad light and refreshing.
- 1/2 cup salami, diced: Brings a savory, slightly spicy depth that contrasts beautifully with the fresh veggies.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded: Offers a creamy, mellow richness that balances the sharper flavors.
- 1/3 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained: Adds a hearty, nutty texture plus a boost of plant-based protein.
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of sweetness and juiciness that brighten each bite.
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped: Delivers a subtle bite and a pop of color without overpowering the salad.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Forms the luscious base of the dressing, bringing richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar: Imparts a tangy edge that wakes up the palate and balances the oil.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Provides a warm, savory undertone to enhance the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the vibrant elements of the salad.
How to Make Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is simple but packs a punch, coating the salad with the perfect balance of zing and richness. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad.
Step 2: Chop the Ingredients
Take your romaine and iceberg lettuces and chop them finely to create a uniform texture that’s easy to enjoy. Then, dice the salami and mozzarella into bite-sized pieces so each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of refreshing greens and savory bites.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the lettuces, salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. This mixture is the heart of the Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe—vibrant, colorful, and full of texture that keeps every serving exciting.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything together until every piece is lightly coated. Tossing ensures the dressing is well distributed and every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp, fresh nature of the salad. The textures and colors shine best when fresh, making it a delightful addition to any meal or a stand-alone light lunch.
How to Serve Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves on top for an herby pop of freshness. A few shaved Parmesan curls can also add a touch of indulgence and complexity that pairs beautifully with the existing ingredients.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, toasted garlic bread, or even alongside a light pasta. Its versatility allows it to complement many dishes, whether you want a light or more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate the presentation by serving the salad in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers. You can also prepare individual mason jar salads ahead of time for grab-and-go meals, making the Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe perfect for busy days and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Mixing just before serving keeps the greens crisp and the flavors vibrant without sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and cheese, which can become watery or alter in texture after thawing.
Reheating
Since the Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is meant to be served cold and crisp, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy any leftovers chilled after tossing in fresh dressing if needed.
FAQs
Can I substitute the salami with another meat?
Absolutely! Turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken make great alternatives depending on your preference. Just dice them finely to maintain the salad’s texture.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the salami and adding extra chickpeas or nuts for protein and texture.
Can I prepare the salad in advance for a party?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to preserve the crispness of the lettuce and freshness of the ingredients.
What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, which will still offer a nice tangy flavor to your dressing.
How long does the salad stay fresh after assembling?
Ideally, consume within 1-2 hours after dressing for the best crunch and flavor, though it can last up to a day refrigerated if undressed.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough how wonderful it feels to bite into the Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe—its fresh ingredients and lively dressing truly make it standout. Whether you’re craving something light or looking to add color and flavor to your table, this salad is a real winner that I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I do.
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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-American
Description
This Refreshing La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and wholesome mix of crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and protein-rich chickpeas, all tossed with a tangy homemade dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick side dish, combining fresh vegetables with a flavorful punch of red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard.
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 the dressing aside to let the flavors meld.
- Chop the Ingredients: Finely chop the romaine and iceberg lettuce. Dice the salami and mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even texture throughout 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 to blend them evenly.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every ingredient with the tangy dressing, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh and crisp meal experience, perfect as a light main dish or a side.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
- Use freshly chopped lettuce to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
- The dressing can be adjusted by adding a bit of honey or sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
- Chickpeas can be substituted with white beans or kidney beans based on preference.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh and not stored with dressing to prevent sogginess.
