Classic La Scala Chopped Salad with Lemon Dressing

This Classic La Scala Chopped Salad with Lemon Dressing is a fresh, crunchy, and flavor-packed salad inspired by the famous Beverly Hills restaurant favorite. Loaded with crisp lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, chickpeas, and a bright homemade lemon dressing, this satisfying chopped salad is perfect for lunches, dinners, gatherings, or healthy meal prep anytime.

Why You’ll Love This recipe

This salad is the perfect combination of freshness, texture, and bold Italian-inspired flavors. Every bite delivers crisp lettuce, creamy cheese, hearty chickpeas, and savory salami coated in a vibrant lemon dressing that tastes light yet incredibly satisfying.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare with simple ingredients you can find in most grocery stores. It works beautifully as a quick lunch, elegant side dish, or even a complete dinner when paired with grilled chicken or crusty bread.

The chopped style makes every forkful balanced and flavorful, giving you restaurant-quality taste at home. It is also highly customizable, making it suitable for different dietary preferences and family tastes.

Yield: 4 Serves

Classic La Scala Chopped Salad with Lemon Dressing

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Fresh chopped Italian-inspired salad with crunchy lettuce, chickpeas, salami, mozzarella, and bright homemade lemon dressing for easy meals.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large heads romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup Italian salami, thinly sliced and chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Begin by washing the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Dry the lettuce completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel so the dressing clings properly to every bite.
2. Place the chopped romaine lettuce into a large serving bowl. Make sure the pieces are finely chopped because the signature style of this salad is all about small, evenly sized bites.
3. Rinse and drain the chickpeas very well, then pat them dry with paper towels. This helps prevent extra moisture from watering down the salad and dressing later.
4. Chop the salami into small strips or cubes and add it to the bowl with the lettuce and chickpeas. The savory flavor of the salami gives the salad its famous deli-inspired taste.
5. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley into the bowl. These ingredients create a creamy, salty, and fresh flavor combination that makes the salad incredibly satisfying.
6. In a small mixing bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly creamy.
7. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness or a little extra olive oil for a smoother flavor balance.
8. Pour the lemon dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every piece of lettuce and topping gets coated with the delicious dressing.
9. Allow the salad to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the ingredients absorb the dressing and enhances the overall flavor.
10. Serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and fresh. Pair it with grilled meats, warm garlic bread, soup, or enjoy it as a light yet filling meal on its own.

Notes

For the most authentic flavor, use high-quality Italian salami and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Always dress the salad right before serving to maintain the perfect crunchy texture. This salad tastes even better when the ingredients are chilled before mixing. You can prepare all components ahead of time for quick assembly during busy days.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 794Total Fat 56gSaturated Fat 19gUnsaturated Fat 36gCholesterol 121mgSodium 2325mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 12gSugar 9gProtein 42g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

For the best texture, chop all ingredients into small, even pieces so every bite contains a little bit of everything. Use cold, crisp romaine lettuce for maximum crunch and freshness. Drain and rinse the chickpeas well to avoid excess moisture in the salad. Freshly squeezed lemon juice creates a brighter and fresher dressing compared to bottled juice.

Allow the dressing to sit for a few minutes before tossing so the flavors blend beautifully. If serving later, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain the crispness of the lettuce. High-quality salami and mozzarella significantly improve the final flavor. Toss the salad gently to coat every ingredient evenly without bruising the lettuce.

Ingredients Notes

Romaine lettuce forms the crunchy foundation of this classic salad and should be fresh and crisp for the best results. Chickpeas add heartiness, protein, and a soft texture that balances the crunchy vegetables perfectly. Italian salami brings rich savory flavor and gives the salad its signature deli-style taste.

Mozzarella cheese adds creamy mildness that complements the tangy dressing beautifully. Parmesan cheese contributes salty depth and extra umami flavor throughout the salad. Fresh lemon juice is the star of the dressing, delivering brightness and freshness.

Olive oil creates a smooth, rich base for the dressing while Dijon mustard helps emulsify everything together. Garlic enhances the dressing with aromatic flavor, and black pepper adds gentle heat. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in this simple recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily customize this salad based on your preferences or dietary needs. Replace salami with grilled chicken, turkey, or crispy bacon for a different protein option. Vegetarians can omit the meat entirely and add extra chickpeas, avocado, or roasted vegetables for more substance.

Swap mozzarella with provolone, feta, or shaved pecorino for unique flavor twists. Iceberg lettuce can be mixed with romaine for extra crunch, while spinach adds a softer texture. For a low-carb version, reduce the chickpeas and increase the lettuce and protein portions.

Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, or red onions for additional freshness and color. The lemon dressing can also be enhanced with herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Storage Options

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the freshest texture, keep the dressing separate and toss only before serving. The lemon dressing can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 5 days.

If meal prepping, store lettuce and toppings separately from wet ingredients to prevent sogginess. Avoid freezing, as the lettuce and cheese will lose their texture after thawing.

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