La Scala Chopped Salad is a fresh, colorful mix that’s full of crunchy veggies and bold flavors. You’ll find crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and maybe some olives or cheese tossed in. Each bite gives you a great combination of textures and tastes, making it a perfect side or light lunch.
I love how easy this salad is to put together, and chopping everything into small pieces makes it feel so hearty and satisfying. It’s a great way to eat lots of veggies without the mess of big chunks falling apart on your fork. I always find myself adding a little extra dressing because it brings all the flavors together really nicely.
For serving, I like to pair it with grilled chicken or some crusty bread to make it a complete meal. It’s also a hit at potlucks because people love how fresh and tasty it is. If you want to switch things up, try adding some nuts or seeds for an extra crunch—I bet you’ll be making this salad again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This gives the salad a crisp, fresh base. If you want a milder crunch, try butter lettuce or iceberg. Just make sure to chop it small for easy eating.
Salami: The salami adds a nice savory and slightly spicy flavor. If you want to skip pork, try turkey or chicken salami, or even pepperoni for a similar taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds saltiness and a creamy texture with its shavings. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast works well for a cheesy flavor.
Dressing Ingredients: Olive oil and red wine vinegar keep things light yet flavorful. Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and helps emulsify the dressing. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard is a decent substitute.
How Do You Toss a Chopped Salad So All Flavors Mix Well?
Chopped salads can be tricky to toss without letting ingredients spill out or unevenly mixing the dressing. Here’s what I do:
- Use a large bowl so you have plenty of room for mixing.
- Add the dressing slowly while tossing gently but thoroughly with salad tongs or clean hands.
- Make sure to lift and turn the salad from the bottom to coat all parts evenly.
- Chop ingredients into bite-size pieces so everything mixes well and is easy to eat.
This way, every bite gets some of the lettuce, salami, olives, and cheese, with just the right amount of dressing!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl – I prefer a big one so everything can be tossed easily without spilling.
- Chef’s knife – makes chopping the lettuce, salami, and cheese quick and safe.
- Small whisk or fork – perfect for mixing the vinaigrette smoothly.
- Tongs or salad servers – great for tossing the salad evenly without crushing the ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salami for cooked chicken or turkey strips for a lighter, protein-packed option.
- Add roasted red peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness.
- Use feta or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a different cheese twist.
- Mix in herbs like basil or oregano to boost flavor and add a fresh aroma.
How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 4 oz salami, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This fresh salad takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Most of the time is spent chopping and mixing ingredients, making it an easy and quick recipe for any day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Chop the Lettuce and Prepare Veggies:
Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped lettuce in a large salad bowl. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl along with the green olives.
2. Add the Salami:
Cut the salami into thin strips and scatter them over the salad ingredients in the bowl, adding flavor and a little heartiness.
3. Make and Toss with the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until combined. Pour this dressing over the salad, then gently toss everything together to make sure each bite is full of flavor.
4. Finish with Cheese and Serve:
Sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Serve right away as a delicious appetizer or side dish that’s light, fresh, and satisfying.
Can I Substitute Salami with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or chicken salami for a leaner option, or even add cooked bacon or ham strips for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To prevent sogginess, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, but chop and store the lettuce, tomatoes, salami, and olives separately from the dressing and cheese. Combine everything shortly before serving for the freshest taste.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work well as substitutes and will still give your salad a nice tangy flavor.