The Iconic La Scala Chopped Salad: A Taste of Old Hollywood Glamour at Home
Step into the world of Beverly Hills glamour with the legendary La Scala Chopped Salad, a timeless classic served at the iconic La Scala Restaurant since the 1950s. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a culinary icon, first brought to life by the restaurant’s visionary founder, Chef Jean Leon. For decades, it has captivated the palates of Hollywood’s elite, from the ever-stylish Kardashians to cinematic legends like Leonardo DiCaprio and Elizabeth Taylor. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about its irresistible charm and exquisite balance of flavors.
What makes this salad so special? It’s a masterclass in Italian-inspired simplicity, featuring a vibrant base of crisp, perfectly chopped lettuce, generously adorned with a symphony of delightful ingredients. Imagine the savory bite of Italian salami, the creamy texture of fresh mozzarella, the wholesome goodness of garbanzo beans, and the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, all harmoniously tossed with a tangy, secret-recipe dressing. Every forkful delivers a burst of flavor and a satisfying texture, making it far more than just a side dish – it’s a complete culinary experience.
My journey with this magnificent salad began like many modern culinary discoveries: it went viral on social media. The sheer excitement and rave reviews online instantly convinced me that I needed to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen. Delving into its history, I uncovered that the original recipe was graciously shared with the LA Times back in 1989, published as part of a collection of legendary Los Angeles dishes. This discovery provided an invaluable starting point for my own rendition.
While the heart of the salad’s unique flavor—the exquisite Leon Dressing—remains faithfully true to Chef Jean Leon’s original publication, I embarked on numerous test runs to perfect the salad components. With honest feedback from my trusty (and brutally honest) family taste-testers, I’ve subtly refined certain elements. My enhancements include the delightful addition of sun-dried tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, and aromatic fresh basil, elevating the salad to new heights.
Despite these thoughtful modifications, the core essence of this Italian-inspired chopped salad recipe remains remarkably authentic, echoing its glorious tradition of over five decades! It’s a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless flavor profile.
Craving more bean-filled goodness? Don’t miss my exciting new twist: the La Scala Bean Salad. It’s an excellent option for easy meal prep lunches or a versatile side dish throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients for Your La Scala Masterpiece
Crafting the perfect La Scala Chopped Salad begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the iconic flavor and texture that has charmed celebrities and foodies for generations. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:
- Lettuce: The Crispy Foundation
- Traditionally, a blend of crisp romaine and crunchy iceberg lettuces forms the base of this salad. After extensive testing, I wholeheartedly agree that this combination offers the ideal balance of texture and freshness. The romaine provides a slightly bitter note and sturdy structure, while the iceberg adds a refreshing crunch that is simply irreplaceable. Aim for 1 head of each, finely chopped to achieve the signature “chopped” consistency.
- Salami: The Savory Star
- You’ll need approximately 6 ounces of good quality Italian salami. While pre-sliced options are convenient, I highly recommend purchasing a larger, unsliced salami. This allows you to julienne it into thicker, more substantial pieces, which significantly enhances the salty, savory flavor in every bite. Not only does this offer a superior taste and texture, but it often proves to be a more cost-effective choice.
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): The Wholesome Addition
- One (15-ounce) can of drained and thoroughly rinsed chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) is perfect for this recipe. These legumes add a wonderful earthy flavor, a soft texture, and a boost of plant-based protein, making the salad more substantial. If you prefer to cook your own, about 1 ½ cups of freshly cooked and cooled chickpeas will work beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The Creamy Complement
- For the mozzarella, I’ve experimented with both shredded varieties and fresh mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini). The clear winner in my tests was shredded mozzarella cheese. Its fine texture distributes more evenly throughout the chopped salad, ensuring a delightful creamy note in every mouthful without overpowering the other ingredients.
- The Signature Leon Dressing: A Secret Revealed
- This iconic dressing, a creation of Chef Jean Leon himself, is a classic vinaigrette with a unique twist. Its “secret ingredient” is a touch of mustard powder, which adds a subtle yet indispensable tang and depth of flavor. If mustard powder isn’t readily available, a good quality Dijon mustard can be used as a convenient substitute. Rounding out this exquisite dressing are classic staples: robust olive oil, delicate white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a generous sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a final layer of umami.
- Optional Toppings: Elevate Your Salad
- While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, the La Scala Restaurant version often encourages customization with additional toppings. My personal favorites, which truly elevate this famous salad, include tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender chopped artichoke hearts, and aromatic fresh herbs like basil. During my recipe tests, these “extra” ingredients consistently made the salad feel truly special and gourmet. Feel free to experiment and find your own perfect combination!
For precise measurements and a comprehensive list of ingredients, always refer to the detailed recipe card below.
Crafting Your La Scala Chopped Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this iconic salad is a straightforward process, focusing on proper preparation and careful mixing to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and texture. Follow these simple steps to bring the taste of Beverly Hills into your home:
Step One: Prepare the Lettuce Foundation. Begin by thoroughly washing and drying one head each of romaine and iceberg lettuce. The key to a truly “chopped” salad is to finely chop the greens into small, uniform pieces, ideally about 1 inch or smaller. This ensures that every forkful captures a harmonious blend of all the ingredients. Transfer the chopped lettuce to a very large salad bowl and toss gently to combine the two varieties.
Step Two: Assemble Your Toppings. Once your lettuce base is ready, it’s time to layer in the delicious toppings. Generously scatter the chopped salami, the drained and rinsed garbanzo beans, and the shredded mozzarella cheese over the lettuce. For an enhanced flavor profile, I highly recommend incorporating the optional additions: chopped artichoke hearts, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil. Arrange them evenly over the greens.
Step Three: Gently Toss the Salad. Using a pair of large salad tongs, or even clean hands, gently toss all the salad ingredients together. The goal here is to ensure that the salami, cheese, beans, and any optional toppings are evenly distributed among the chopped lettuce. Set the beautifully mixed salad aside while you prepare the dressing.
Step Four: Prepare the Leon Dressing. In a separate small bowl or a lidded glass mason jar, combine all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, white wine vinegar, mustard powder (or Dijon mustard), salt, pepper, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified, forming a creamy, well-integrated dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step Five: Dress the Salad. Once the dressing is prepared, pour it evenly over the entire salad. Avoid drenching it; a light, even coating is what you’re aiming for to highlight the freshness of the ingredients.
Step Six: Final Toss and Serve. Using your tongs, give the salad a final, thorough toss. This ensures that every piece of lettuce and every topping is lightly coated with the irresistible Leon Dressing. Serve your homemade La Scala Chopped Salad immediately to enjoy it at its peak freshness and crispness. If you’re preparing it in advance, follow the storage tips below to maintain its quality.
Pro Tip: The Art of the Perfect Chop
The defining characteristic of the La Scala Chopped Salad is its finely chopped nature. For the best experience, ensure your lettuce pieces are small, aiming for approximately 1-inch squares or smaller. To achieve this, divide your heads of lettuce in half or quarters lengthwise. Then, make several lengthwise cuts about 1 inch apart before chopping across into 1-inch pieces widthwise. This meticulous chopping allows all the flavors and textures to meld beautifully in every bite, truly distinguishing it from a standard tossed salad. Investing in a good quality chef’s knife and a large cutting board will make this task much easier and more enjoyable.
Storage Solutions & Meal Prep Pointers
While the La Scala Chopped Salad is best enjoyed fresh, there are effective ways to store it and even prepare it in advance, especially if you’re planning for weekly meals.
Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness
This salad maintains its quality exceptionally well for at least 24 hours when stored correctly. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though the crispness of the lettuce may slightly diminish over time. For the absolute best results, it’s highly recommended to keep the dressing separate from the salad until you are ready to serve.
Refrigerated Dressing Revival: It’s common for olive oil-based dressings to solidify or become cloudy when chilled. To restore your refrigerated Leon Dressing to its perfect consistency, simply allow it to rest at room temperature for 10-30 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature. Then, give it a good shake or whisk before pouring it over your salad. This will ensure a smooth, well-emulsified dressing every time.
Making it Work for Meal Prep
The La Scala Chopped Salad is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, offering a healthy and satisfying option for lunches or quick dinners. To ensure your salad remains wonderfully crisp and fresh throughout the week, strategic storage is key:
- Separate Storage is Best: Prepare all your salad components (chopped lettuce, salami, mozzarella, chickpeas, and optional toppings) and store them together in a large airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Dressings on the Side: Always store the Leon Dressing in a separate, smaller airtight container. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy and allows the flavors to remain distinct until mealtime.
- Ready to Enjoy: When you’re ready to eat, simply portion out your desired amount of salad, add a generous drizzle of the dressing, toss well, and enjoy a fresh and flavorful meal!
Smart Substitutions & Delicious Variations
One of the beauties of the La Scala Chopped Salad is its versatility. While the original recipe is undoubtedly perfect, it’s easy to adapt it to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some thoughtful substitutions that maintain the spirit of this classic dish:
- Salami Alternatives: The famed La Scala restaurant itself offers delicious substitutions for salami. You can opt for finely chopped deli ham or roasted turkey for a lighter alternative. For a protein boost, consider adding flaked tuna (packed in olive oil for best flavor) or hard-boiled chopped eggs. These options provide different flavor profiles while keeping the salad satisfying.
- Vinegar Choices: The recipe calls for white wine vinegar, which offers a wonderfully subtle and delicate tang. If white wine vinegar isn’t available, red wine vinegar makes an excellent substitute. It has a slightly bolder flavor, but is still mild enough not to overpower the other ingredients. Avoid strong vinegars like distilled white vinegar, as their intensity can disrupt the salad’s balance.
- Mustard Powder vs. Dijon: Chef Jean Leon’s “secret ingredient” is dry mustard powder, which contributes a unique depth. You can typically find it in the spice aisle of your grocery store. However, if you’re in a pinch, an equal amount of good quality Dijon mustard works beautifully as a direct swap, offering a similar pungent kick.
- Parmesan Cheese Swaps: Finely grated Parmesan cheese is crucial for that authentic Italian flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, Pecorino Romano cheese offers a saltier, sharper profile, while Grana Padano provides a slightly milder, nuttier taste. Both are excellent choices that complement the salad wonderfully.
Creative Add-Ins to Personalize Your Salad
While my personal favorites for optional add-ins are sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and fresh basil, the beauty of a chopped salad lies in its endless customization possibilities. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other ingredients to create your unique signature version. Here are a few more suggestions to inspire you:
- Veggies for Crunch & Color:
- Crisp bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange for sweetness)
- Finely diced red onion for a pungent kick
- Refreshing cucumber for an extra cool element
- Extra Savory Bites:
- Sliced pepperoni for a spicier, meatier option
- Briny olives (kalamata or black olives) for an authentic Mediterranean touch
- Unexpected Delights:
- Sweet and tart pomegranate seeds for a burst of flavor and color
- Juicy fresh tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered)
- Additional Protein:
- Grilled or rotisserie sliced chicken breast for a heartier meal
I hope you’ve enjoyed recreating this classic La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe! If you loved it as much as I do, please consider leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card below or sharing your thoughts in the comments section. Your feedback truly helps others discover and enjoy this incredible dish. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner when you share your delicious creations!
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
This famous La Scala Salad recipe has been served at the iconic Beverly Hills restaurant since the 1950s! It’s a beloved celebrity favorite, perfect for any occasion.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)
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Ingredients
SALAD INGREDIENTS
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 6 ounces salami, julienned (cut into thin strips)
- 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (also known as garbanzo beans)
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained (or quartered cherry tomatoes)
- ¾ cup chopped marinated artichokes, drained (from a 10-12 oz jar)
Leon Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar*)
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder (or Dijon mustard**)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Note: Measurements are given in US Customary units.
Instructions
Finely chop the iceberg and romaine lettuce into 1-inch pieces or smaller, then wash and dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner for best results.
Add the washed and dried lettuces to a very large bowl and toss well to combine the two types of greens.
Top the prepared lettuce with the julienned salami, shredded mozzarella, drained chickpeas, and any desired optional toppings such as fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped artichokes.
Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss all of the salad ingredients together until they are well distributed throughout the greens. Set the salad aside.
In a small bowl or a glass mason jar with a lid, combine all the ingredients for the Leon Dressing: olive oil, white wine vinegar, dry mustard powder, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Whisk vigorously or shake the lidded jar until the dressing ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified.
Pour the freshly prepared dressing evenly over the salad.
Use tongs to gently toss the salad again, ensuring that all the lettuce and other ingredients are lightly and evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve your delicious La Scala Chopped Salad immediately for optimal freshness, or refrigerate it until you are ready to enjoy.
Video Tutorial
For a visual guide to making this delicious salad, watch our step-by-step video tutorial!
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Notes & Expert Tips
Storing and Leftovers: To keep your salad fresh, transfer any leftover dressed salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For meal prep or longer storage, always keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
Substitutes for Salami: The original La Scala Beverly Hills restaurant offers several protein substitutions. Consider using finely diced deli turkey or ham for a lighter option. Flaked tuna or chopped hard-boiled eggs also make excellent and satisfying protein additions.
*Vinegar Types: White wine vinegar offers the most subtle and balanced flavor, which is ideal for this recipe. Red wine vinegar can be used as a suitable alternative if you prefer a slightly stronger, tangier taste. However, avoid using plain white vinegar as its flavor is too sharp and acidic for this delicate dressing.
**Dijon Mustard vs. Dry Mustard Powder: The authentic recipe calls for dry mustard powder, which imparts a distinct flavor profile. You can typically find it in the spices and seasonings aisle of your local grocery store. While highly recommended for its unique contribution, a good quality Dijon mustard can be used as a convenient substitute in a pinch, offering a similar pungent note.
Nutrition Information
(Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: 373 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 1199mg | Potassium: 737mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 10120IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 262mg | Iron: 3mg
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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