This post may contain affiliate links.
Can you believe we’re already 28 episodes in to my Hungry Lady Salad series?! It feels like we started enjoying these flavorful, satisfying, and downright delicious salads just yesterday. Our latest edition is the perfect excuse to take you on a culinary journey to the gorgeous landscape of Beverly Hills…
La Scala is a restaurant set in Beverly Hills, California, that is famous for their chopped salad. Rumor has it The Kardashians are particularly fond of this one, in fact. But that’s not why we are making it. We are making it because it is delicious and SO easy.
It is packed with savory ingredients like marinated garbanzo beans, cheese, and salami and topped with a vinaigrette recipe that dates back to the 50’s. This version uses most of the same ingredients with a tangy dressing just like the restaurant.
This reminds me of an Italian sub in salad form and it couldn’t be simpler to make… seriously, it’ll only take you 5 minutes.
Watch Me Make The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
If you’ve missed any of my Hungry Lady Salad videos and want to catch up, be sure to follow me on Facebook, or see the entire collection (and so many other delicious recipes!) over on Pinterest.
How To Make The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Step 1. In a large serving bowl, combine dressing ingredients and whisk until well blended.
Step 2. To the bowl, combine lettuces, salami, mozzarella, and garbanzo beans. Toss with vinaigrette to coat well.
Step 3. Finish with more cheese and salt and black pepper if desired.
Step 4. Enjoy!
What Else Can I Use?
- I like the Italian Dry Boar’s Head Salami pictured here, but any salami you like will work.
- At La Scala, they use dry mustard for the dressing. I call for Dijon mustard here since it’s something most of us have on hand already. If you’re using dry mustard, use 1 teaspoon.
- Pepperoni would make a good substitute for salami in this salad.
- Parmesan or Pecorino can be used.
- Romaine lettuce can be used for all or part of the salad.
- If you want to add veggies, roasted red peppers and/or tomatoes work well.
- Vegetarian: Omit the salami to make this salad completely vegetarian.
- Antipasto: Add in some olives and artichoke hearts to give this salad more of an antipasto twist.
This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is special because:
- If you can’t get to this exclusive restaurant in Beverly Hills, you can do the next best thing and bring the food to you.
- It takes just MINUTES to make, with little chopping required.
- It is flavorful and satisfying, and only requires a handful of ingredients.
- You only need one bowl!
- It’s like an Italian sub in salad form, satisfying your hearty sandwich cravings.
Want more recipes inspired by great restaurants?
Union Square Cafe’s Brussels Sprouts
Chocolate Olive Oil Cake (inspired by Maialino)
ABC Kitchen’s Roasted Carrot + Avocado Salad
If you make the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment here and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations!
If you like full recipe videos, you’ll want to follow me on Facebook and Youtube as I publish new videos daily!
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, rinsed and finely chopped
- 1 ⁄4 lb italian salami, julienned
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 15 1/2 ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed and well-drained
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino romano OR parmesan, plus more for serving
Instructions
- To make vinaigrette: In a large serving bowl, combine oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper to taste; whisk until well blended.
- To the bowl, combine lettuces, salami, mozzarella, and garbanzo beans. Toss with vinaigrette to coat well.
- Finish with more pecorino and salt and black pepper if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
YUMMY YUMMY didn’t add salami. Still great . How to store dressing ??
I’m so glad you loved this one, Denise!
I’d store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Kat.
Good morning, would like to know if I can use any other type of lettuce besides iceberg. And can I make the salad in one container whisking the dressing first then adding the other ingredients. Thanks in advance.
Hi Arlene,
Absolutely! Any crispy crunchy lettuce would be the perfect base here – romaine lettuce is the first that springs to mind.
And of course! Any opportunity to save on dishes 😉
Kat.
Savory and easy. What a treat!
I’m glad you enjoyed this one, Kristine!
Kat.
I have just tried this salad. The dressing is simple, but so tasty! I did meal prep it successfully in a salad jar ( dressing separate) layered up. Chick peas first, cheese, lettuce then meat. Will be checking out more of your recipes!
It’s the perfect meal-prep salad in my mind, so I’m glad you enjoyed this one Emmy!
Thank you for being here!
Kat.
This might be a silly question, but is it a 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper each, or combined? Thank you. I can’t wait to make this!
Not a silly question at all Tracie! 1/2 a teaspoon of each!
Kat.
This hit the spot! So refreshing, simple, yet complex flavors and the kids even had seconds! Thanks 😊
Julia,
I’m so thrilled you loved it!
Enjoy!
Kat.
5 stars for fresh! Is there a way to make this salad meal-prep friendly? I kept the dressing separate and put paper towels to absorb moisture, but it still didn’t hold up well. I would love any tips to keep the lettuce crisp for work lunches!
This is a tough one for meal prep, admittedly, as the lettuces are quite tender. If you’re open to using a heartier lettuce like kale or swiss chard, that will make a big difference! So happy you loved it!
Kathleen
LOVED this salad, refreshing! Thank you! Next to my Gorgonzola salad this is a favorite I look forward to sharing with friends & family!
Brandy,
I’m so thrilled that you loved this salad!
It’s such a treat and so quick to make.
Enjoy!
Kat.
This salad is SO freaking good! Easy prep and so delicious! It has made the rotation!!!
Sara,
I’m so glad it’s made it on to your rotation.
It’s an absolute staple in my house!
Enjoy!
Kat.