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This La Scala chopped salad recipe is a celebrity favorite you can make on lazy days! You only need simple ingredients for this hearty and versatile salad.
Forget going to Beverly Hills.
Bring La Scala home in 10 minutes!
With crisp greens, grated cheese, salami, and garbanzo beans tossed in a punchy vinaigrette, the viral La Scala chopped salad has been a celebrity favorite, and you might just get the hype after one bite.
It’s also an easy way to impress at a dinner party or when you want something yummy and filling for lunch.

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Looking for more salads that are hearty enough on their own? You can’t go wrong with bacon ranch pasta salad and dill pickle pasta salad!
Why You’ll Love This La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- This copycat La Scala chopped salad recipe hits just like the original, using simple ingredients.
- This Italian salad is versatile enough to serve as a last-minute starter, a hearty main, or a side to round out any meal.
- This chopped salad is adaptable, whether you’re adding your favorites or swapping in whatever you have in the pantry.
Ingredients
Dressing:
Olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard – For a simple vinaigrette that always works with a fresh leafy salad.
Salt and black pepper – To round out this La Scala chopped salad recipe’s bright and punchy dressing.
Parmesan cheese – This nutty cheese gives the garlicky, tangy dressing a little more complexity. Don’t forget to also use it as a garnish for a savory finish on your homemade La Scala chopped salad.
Salad:
Romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce – We used a mix of iceberg and romaine for extra crunch and a bit of color.
Chickpeas – Adds protein and lends a satisfying creamy contrast to the crisp lettuce shreds.
Italian salami – Meaty, savory, and sliced to match the shredded greens, chewy salami pieces make every forkful of this chopped salad more substantial.
Mozzarella cheese – This creamy shredded cheese just fits better in this fresh and zippy salad than cubes of cheese.
Ingredient Substitutions For La Scala Chopped Salad
Pepperoni
Pepperoni makes a great substitute for salami.
Pecorino Romano
We figured most people have Parmesan, but feel free to use Pecorino for a bolder flavor that can rival the restaurant version.
Dry Mustard
We went with Dijon mustard for the dressing, but you can also use dry mustard just like they do at La Scala.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Shred Your Own Mozzarella
Shred your own mozzarella for this La Scala chopped salad recipe! It tastes better and mixes in more smoothly than the pre-shredded stuff with additives.
Use an Ice Bath for the Shredded Lettuce
Soak shredded lettuce in ice water for a few minutes to keep it crisp. Just drain and pat dry before adding to your salad.
Customize the Famous Salad
Load up the famous salad with extra toppings and fixings! Some delicious options are roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, olives, and grilled chicken chunks.
Copycat La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe FAQs
What is in the La Scala chopped salad?
The iconic chopped salad from La Scala includes iceberg lettuce, chickpeas, salami, and mozzarella cheese.
Is the La Scala salad healthy?
While the famous La Scala chopped salad is full of wholesome ingredients like lettuce, chickpeas, and olive oil, it’s still best enjoyed in mindful portions since it includes cheese and processed meat, which are high in sodium.
Which type of lettuce is used in the viral La Scala chopped salad?
The La Scala chopped salad uses iceberg lettuce, but any crunchy lettuce will do. Just shred it finely for that perfect salad texture!
Can you make this Italian salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients the night before! Store everything in separate airtight containers and toss with the dressing when you’re ready to serve.
What is the best way to store leftover chopped salad?
Store your leftover chopped salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. The greens may lose their crunch over time, but the flavor still holds up!
More Delicious Salad Recipes
- Pear Gorgonzola Salad
- Celery Salad
- Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
- Spicy Kani Salad
- Strawberry Jello Salad
I found this recipe for Italian Bean Olive Salad that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
For the salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, rinsed and finely shredded
- 4 cups iceberg lettuce, rinsed and finely shredded
- 1 15-oz chickpeas, drained
- 4 oz Italian salami, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Add all the vinaigrette ingredients to a jar and shake until combined.
- Add the salad ingredients to a large bowl.
- Pour in the dressing and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish with more Parmesan and serve!
Notes
- Shred your own mozzarella for this La Scala chopped salad recipe! It tastes better and mixes in more smoothly than the pre-shredded stuff with additives.
- Soak shredded lettuce in ice water for a few minutes to keep it crisp. Just drain and pat dry before adding to your salad.
- Load up the famous salad with extra toppings and fixings! Some delicious options are roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, olives, and grilled chicken chunks.
PIN FOR LATER!