Description
Crisp California ingredients dance together in this legendary La Scala Chopped Salad, perfecting restaurant-quality flavors at home. Perfectly balanced textures and zesty dressing make this iconic salad an irresistible centerpiece you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Greens:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, finely chopped
Proteins and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup Genoa salami, finely diced
- 1 cup garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by vigorously blending red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until a smooth, integrated dressing forms.
- Prepare the crisp lettuce foundation by finely chopping radicchio and romaine into uniform, bite-sized pieces, ensuring a balanced textural landscape.
- Dice salami and provolone cheese into precise, small cubes that will distribute evenly throughout the salad’s terrain.
- Slice red onions into delicate, translucent rings that will provide a sharp, aromatic counterpoint to the other ingredients.
- Chop chickpeas into smaller segments to integrate seamlessly with the salad’s composition.
- Combine all prepared ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, gently tossing to create a harmonious blend of colors and textures.
- Drizzle the previously crafted vinaigrette over the salad, coating each ingredient with a glossy, flavor-enhancing layer.
- Toss the mixture thoroughly, ensuring every morsel is kissed by the tangy dressing.
- Allow the salad to rest momentarily, permitting the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
- Plate the salad with a final sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately to preserve its crisp, vibrant character.
Notes
- Customize the vinaigrette by adjusting the acidity level with more or less lemon juice, creating a personalized tangy balance.
- Swap traditional ingredients like salami for plant-based alternatives to make the salad vegetarian-friendly, ensuring diverse dietary needs are met.
- Chop all ingredients uniformly to guarantee a perfect bite with balanced flavors and textures in every forkful.
- Prepare the dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for a more robust taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg