This iconic La Scala Chopped Salad combines crisp shredded lettuce, salty Italian salami, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy, flavorful dressing. Originally created by Chef Jean Leon at the La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, this salad has been a Hollywood favorite since the 1950s. Thanks to Kim Kardashian and TikTok, it’s now a viral sensation—and you can enjoy this fresh, crunchy, and hearty salad right in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This La Scala Chopped Salad
- Uses fresh, simple ingredients that are easy to customize
- Just like the original Beverly Hills recipe
- Balanced flavors from salty salami, mild mozzarella, and tangy dressing
- Healthy, low-carb, and satisfying enough for a meal
- Perfect for lunch or a side dish alongside your favorite protein
If you love salads, try also my shaved Brussels sprout salad, cucumber tomato avocado salad, or a hearty chicken Caesar pasta salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dressing:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Fresh garlic
- Dijon mustard (or dry mustard)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
For the Salad:
- Shredded iceberg lettuce (for crunch)
- Shredded romaine lettuce
- Chickpeas (drained and rinsed) for fiber and protein
- Italian salami (dry-aged, sliced thin—not the typical deli lunch meat)
- Fresh shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad
- Make the Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan) in a small bowl or jar. Shake or stir until emulsified. - Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine shredded iceberg and romaine lettuce, rinsed chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella. - Toss and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Tips for the Best La Scala Salad
- Chop everything evenly: Thin, uniform pieces of lettuce and salami help achieve that classic chopped salad texture.
- Soak lettuce in ice water: This step adds extra crispness—especially helpful if lettuce isn’t super fresh.
- Use quality ingredients: Since the recipe is simple, good-quality salami, cheese, and fresh lettuce make a big difference.
- Save time: Buy pre-shredded lettuce to speed up prep.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can prepare this salad ahead of time by chopping all ingredients and storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the dressing in a separate container and toss everything together just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 1-2 days.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Add sliced red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced bell peppers, or pepperoncini for extra flavor.
- Top with grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a protein boost.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the salami.
- Give it a Greek twist by adding feta, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
- Substitute pepperoni for salami if desired.
More Salad Recipes to Try
- Grilled Peach Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Tomato Peach Burrata Salad
- Lemon Orzo Salad
- La Scala Chopped Pasta Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
Enjoy this classic Hollywood salad at home—it’s fresh, easy, and packed with flavor!
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