Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe (Italian)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe (Italian) is crisp, hearty, and made with iceberg and romaine lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, mozzarella, and a tangy Parmesan dressing. This iconic Beverly Hills salad comes together in just 15 minutes and makes an easy lunch, side dish, or light meal.
If you love this recipe, you should try my Classic Italian Chopped Salad Recipe and Antipasto Pasta Salad.
Quick Look: Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe (Italian)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, depending on salami and mustard, can be made Vegetarian
- Method: Whisk dressing + toss salad
- Technique: Finely chop the ingredients and toss with the Parmesan dressing just before serving
- Flavor/Texture: Crisp, crunchy, tangy, savory, and creamy
Why You’ll Love This Salad!
This hearty salad is packed with delicious flavor and textures. The small pieces make it easy to eat and create the perfect bite with every forkful!
What truly sets this salad apart? The bold, garlicky parmesan dressing! It coats every ingredient with a rich, zesty flavor that keeps you coming back for more. It’s fresh, hearty, and downright irresistible! I know you’ll love it as much as we do.
Try my Pear Gorgonzola Salad and Lemon Arugula Salad next!
Made With Amore,
“So easy and delicious. The whole family loved it. Definitely will be making again.”
– Janet
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
With only a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll see why this famous salad became a viral recipe.
- Parmesan Vinaigrette: Extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmigiano create the tangy, savory dressing.
- Iceberg and Romaine Lettuce: Provide the crisp, fresh base and signature chopped-salad texture.
- Chickpeas: Add creamy texture and hearty substance.
- Italian Salami: Adds slightly spiced flavor and makes the salad more substantial.
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Bring tangy flavor that complements the savory ingredients.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Salad Dressing Swap: You can swap it with our Creamy Italian Dressing.
- Extra Protein: Add Grilled Chicken Thighs or Grilled Shrimp for a heartier salad.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the Italian salami and add sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, fresh bell pepper, or Roasted Red Peppers.
- Mozzarella Cheese Substitution: Try provolone, fontina, or shredded asiago for a twist.
How To Make La Scala Chopped Salad
This famous chopped salad comes together quickly by making the Parmesan dressing, chopping the ingredients, and tossing everything together. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- In a small jar or bowl, add the ingredients for the dressing (minus the cheese and pepper).
- Whisk to combine.
- Add the cheese and pepper into the salad dressing.
- Add the shredded lettuce to a large bowl.
- Cut all the salad toppings into bite-sized pieces to make it easy to eat.
- Add the cheese on top.
- Toss the salad to combine.
- Add the dressing and toss again to let the dressing soak into the salad.
La Scala Salad FAQs
The La Scala Chopped Salad originated at La Scala, a famous Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. Created by Chef Jean Leon in the 1950s, this salad was designed to be finely chopped for easy eating—especially for Hollywood’s elite. It quickly became a signature dish, loved for its crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, savory salami, and bold parmesan dressing. Today, it remains an iconic salad enjoyed by many, including the Kardashians, at the restaurant and at home!
The classic combination uses crisp iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce. Finely chopping both gives the salad its signature texture and makes it easy to get a little of every ingredient in each bite.
If the salad is already dressed, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day (it may lose some crunch). Keep the dressing separate and store the chopped ingredients for up to 3 days for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This famous La Scala chopped salad makes for a flavorful meal alongside No Knead Italian Focaccia Bread or Italian Bread. For a heartier meal, pair it with Tuscan White Bean Soup or Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. It also works beautifully as a light lunch paired with a Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Finely Chop Everything – The key to this salad is its finely chopped ingredients, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Use a sharp knife to get evenly sized pieces.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (or Pecorino) adds depth and richness to the dressing—skip the pre-shredded cheese for the best taste!
- Let the Dressing Sit – Mix the dressing ahead of time and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors
More Mouth-Watering Salad Recipes
💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Parmesan Vinagrette:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Parmigiano or Parmesan cheese, finely grated (or Pecorino cheese)
For the Salad:
- 5 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 4-5 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ lb dry Italian salami, julienned (thinly sliced)
- 1 12-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (optional, not in the original recipe)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
For Garnish:
- Freshly grated Parmigiano or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and finely chopped garlic until smooth and emulsified. Stir in the dried oregano and grated Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the shredded iceberg and romaine lettuce. Add the chickpeas, thinly sliced salami, and chopped marinated artichokes. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese for a creamy, melty bite in every forkful.
- Dress & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this crisp, flavorful chopped salad with warm, crusty bread or alongside your favorite Italian dish. Buon appetito!
Notes
- Finely Chop Everything – The key to this salad is its finely chopped ingredients, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Use a sharp knife to get evenly sized pieces.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (or Pecorino) adds depth and richness to the dressing—skip the pre-shredded cheese for the best taste!
- Let the Dressing Sit – Mix the dressing ahead of time and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
As always, another delish recipe from you! Thank you!
Yay! Thank you so much! I am happy you loved this one.
Loved this dressing! I marinated some of the dressing with the chickpeas for extra flavor. I also added red onion and mini cucumbers. Skipped the artichokes. Loved the combo of iceberg and romaine. Nice and easy. And of course, tasty. Next time Iโll add banana peppers!
That sounds delicious, I love those additions! Marinating the chickpeas is such a great idea, and banana peppers will be perfect next time. So happy you enjoyed it, thank you for sharing! ๐
Took this salad to a neighborhood soup and salad night and everyone loved it!!
Delicious and crunchy. I adjusted a bit for personal taste but I highly recommend this recipe and every other one Iโve tried from Elena
Yay! I’m happy you loved this easy and filling salad recipe and all the others you’ve tried!
An easy and filling salad that everyone loves!
Looks amazing
Iโm going to try it!
Yes! Let me know when you do. It is truly, so yummy!
This salad is delicious and so easy to make! Thank for sharing!
You are most welcome! It’s like an all-in-one salad that is still filling. I am happy you loved it!
So easy and delicious. The whole family loved it. Definitely will be making again.
Yay! Happy everyone loved it.