If you’ve been dreaming of a craveable, restaurant-worthy chopped salad that packs tons of texture and punchy flavor, The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is your ticket. This iconic LA staple brings together crunchy greens, creamy white bean hummus, zesty Italian meats, and an utterly irresistible Parmesan vinaigrette. It’s a bowlful of sunshine—classic, fresh, hearty, and perfect for sharing around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big LA Energy: This salad delivers the iconic flavors of Beverly Hills and brings that touch of West Coast glam right into your kitchen.
- Incredible Crunch + Creaminess: Crisp iceberg and romaine meet a luscious white bean hummus base for textural heaven in every bite.
- Unbeatable, House-Made Vinaigrette: Tangy, cheesy, and peppery—La Scala’s dressing alone is worth making extra for all your salads.
- Feeds a Crowd (or Just Yourself!): Serve as a stunning centerpiece for dinner parties or pack it up for lunch—it’s reliable and always impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity, and The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is proof! Every ingredient is chosen for its star role—whether that’s crunch, creaminess, salt, sharpness, or fresh color. Assemble these and you’ll have a salad that bursts with flavor and style.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Cold-pressed is best—its fruity, peppery notes form the base of the irresistible vinaigrette.
- Red wine vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy zip that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Dry mustard powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the dressing without overpowering it.
- Fresh garlic: Minced and pungent, it infuses every bite of the salad with boldness.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Enhance and round out all the flavors—use freshly cracked pepper for a little kick.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Salty, nutty, and absolutely essential for that signature La Scala flavor in the dressing.
- White beans (canned): The base for a creamy, protein-packed hummus that sets this salad apart.
- Tahini: Lends a delicious, sesame richness to the hummus that complements the salad beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is a must for balancing the hummus and perking up all the flavors.
- Ice water: The secret to making your white bean hummus extra fluffy and smooth.
- Iceberg and Romaine lettuce: A combination that delivers supreme crunch with a touch of green sweetness.
- Italian salami (or roasted turkey): Choose your favorite for savory, meaty depth; classic salami brings that signature La Scala bite.
- Mozzarella or provolone cheese (shredded): Mild, milky, and melty—perfect for balancing all the other flavors.
- Optional add-ins: Shaved red onion, diced cucumber, tomatoes, and olives for extra freshness, color, and flavor.
Variations
The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is endlessly customizable—switch out proteins, cheeses, or add more veggies to make it all your own. It’s the perfect base for adapting to your cravings or whatever you have on hand.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the salami or turkey and add canned chickpeas or extra white beans for satisfying plant-based protein.
- Low-Carb Twist: Omit the white bean layer and bump up the greens and veggies for a lighter take.
- Change Your Cheese: Use feta or goat cheese for a tangy upgrade, or add a sprinkle of sharp Pecorino for a salty edge.
- Vegan Adaptation: Leave out the cheese in both the salad and vinaigrette, or use a vegan Parmesan alternative—you’ll still have plenty of creamy, savory flavor.
- Ultimate Mediterranean: Toss in Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, or roasted red peppers to give the salad even more zesty personality.
How to Make The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Signature Vinaigrette
Start by combining extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dry mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl or jar. Whisk or shake vigorously (my favorite method is in a mason jar) until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. This is the flavor backbone of The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe, so don’t skimp on that Parm!
Step 2: Make the Dreamy White Bean Hummus Base
Add drained white beans to a food processor and pulse until they form a coarse paste. Then toss in tahini, smashed garlic cloves, lemon juice, and sea salt, blending until silky. Pour in the ice water and continue to puree until perfectly smooth and airy—taste for seasoning and adjust as you like. Spread this creamy goodness evenly over the base of a platter or large shallow bowl.
Step 3: Chop and Toss the Salad Goodness
Finely chop both iceberg and romaine lettuces for the ideal forkable texture. In a big salad bowl, combine your greens with shredded mozzarella or provolone and your protein of choice (salami or turkey). If you’re adding extras like red onion, cucumber, tomato, or olives, toss them in now. Drizzle some of the Parmesan vinaigrette over the mix and toss just enough to coat everything lightly—don’t overdress!
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Gently mound your dressed chopped salad mixture on top of the fluffy white bean hummus base, letting the edges peek through for a beautiful, layered presentation. Sprinkle on a little extra Parm or a grind of black pepper for that finishing touch—then dive in with a fork (or scoop with pita chips for extra fun)!
Pro Tips for Making The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Ultra-Crisp Lettuce: Chill your chopped lettuce in ice water for 10 minutes, then spin dry—it makes every bite snappy and fresh.
- Perfect Emulsification: Whisk the vinaigrette with gusto (or shake in a sealed jar) to ensure the cheese and oil are fully blended into creamy, dreamy dressing.
- Make-Ahead Hummus: The white bean hummus can be prepared 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, making last-minute assembly a breeze.
- Deli-Style Proteins: Head to your market’s deli counter for pre-sliced salami or turkey—thin slices are easiest to julienne neatly at home.
How to Serve The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect finishing touch is a flourish of freshly grated Parmesan, a twist of cracked black pepper, or a scattering of thin-sliced red onions. If you love herbs, sprinkle over some finely chopped parsley or basil for extra color and zing—the more vibrant, the better!
Side Dishes
This salad is a complete meal on its own, but it plays beautifully with warm garlic bread, crispy pita chips, or a cup of minestrone. For a bigger spread, pair it with roasted vegetables or serve alongside a simple pasta for a true Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the salad in a clear trifle dish for a stunning layered effect, or serve in individual bowls over swooshes of hummus for an elegant dinner party. You can even build mini salad “boats” with endive leaves for delightful finger food at a gathering—fun and fancy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad (if you have any!) is best stored tightly covered in the fridge. Keep the assembled greens and dressing separate from the hummus base if you can—this keeps everything nice and fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as crisp lettuce and dairy-based dressings don’t hold up well in the freezer. The hummus can be frozen in a pinch, but the other salad elements are best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Since The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. Simply let leftovers sit out for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring out all those gorgeous flavors.
FAQs
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What makes The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe different from regular chopped salads?
Unlike ordinary chopped salads, this version features a rich, creamy white bean hummus base and a bold, cheesy vinaigrette inspired by the famed Beverly Hills restaurant—it’s a more satisfying, craveable salad experience from top to bottom.
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Can I use other meats or keep it vegetarian?
Absolutely! The classic is made with Italian salami, but sliced turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based deli slices work well. For vegetarians, simply skip the meat and rely on the white beans for protein.
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Can the dressing be made ahead of time?
Yes, the vinaigrette keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to re-emulsify the cheese and olive oil.
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Is this salad good for meal prep or parties?
Definitely! Prep the hummus, chop veggies, and mix the dressing up to two days ahead. For parties, assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest crunch and most dramatic presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that truly stands out, The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is it—fresh, crunchy, and brimming with flavor in every forkful. Gather your ingredients and bring a little LA legend to your next meal; I can’t wait for you to try—and love—this unforgettable classic!
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The BEST La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This La Scala Chopped Salad is a delightful mix of fresh greens, savory salami, creamy white bean hummus, and a tangy vinaigrette, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup unrefined cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
- 1 medium clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
White bean hummus:
- 2 15– oz cans white beans, drained and rinsed (about 3 1/4 cups beans)
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
Salad:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head Romaine, finely chopped
- 1/4 pound Italian salami, julienned or roasted turkey, chopped
- 1/4 pound mozzarella or provolone cheese, shredded
- Additional add-ins that work well: shaved red onion, diced cucumber, diced tomato, olives
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl or screw-top jar until emulsified. Makes about 1 cup.
- Prepare the white bean hummus: Blend the white beans in a food processor until it forms a paste. Add tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Process until combined. Add the ice water and blend until smooth. Taste for seasoning.
- Spread hummus: Spread the white bean hummus over a platter or shallow bowl.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the salad ingredients with enough dressing to lightly coat. Mound the salad over the hummus.
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite ingredients like avocado, roasted peppers, or artichoke hearts.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning of the vinaigrette and hummus to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1010mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
