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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

This iconic La Scala Chopped Salad is a deliciously simple combination of crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, savory Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella, all tossed in a tangy Pecorino Romano dressing. It's perfect as a satisfying main dish or a fresh side salad alongside your favorite protein.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Keyword: , salami salad, chopped salad, Italian chopped salad,, La Scala salad, Pecorino dressing
Servings: 6
Calories: 371kcal

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese

For the Salad:

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce shredded (5-6 cups)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce shredded (4-5 cups)
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ lb 4 ounces Italian salami, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Whisk together or shake well in a jar until fully combined.

Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded romaine lettuce, chickpeas, thinly sliced Italian salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Toss and Serve

  • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Save Time: Use pre-shredded lettuce to make assembly faster.
Salami Choice: Opt for authentic Italian salami (found near specialty cheeses), not standard deli lunchmeat.
Make Ahead Tip: Store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. For best results, add dressing only when ready to eat.