This iconic chopped salad is famous for its irresistible combination of crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, tangy marinated artichokes, savory salami, and melty mozzarella—all tossed in a zesty, parmesan-infused dressing. A simple yet elegant Italian-inspired salad perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining!
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Total Time15 minutesmins
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: famous La scala chopped salad, Italian chopped salad, la scala chopped salad, viral chopped salad
½cupParmigiano or Parmesan cheesefinely grated (or Pecorino cheese)
For the Salad:
5cupsiceberg lettuceshredded
4-5cupsromaine lettucefinely chopped
115-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼lbdry Italian salamijulienned (thinly sliced)
112-ounce jarmarinated artichoke heartsdrained and chopped (optional, not in the original recipe)
2cupsmozzarella cheeseshredded
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
Top TipsFinely 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