La Scala Chopped Salad: Easy Viral Recipe

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Andy Hay

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Alright folks, let’s talk about a salad that’s made some serious waves across social media—the La Scala Chopped Salad recipe. This isn’t your average leafy greens situation. No, this salad is bold, crunchy, salty, satisfying, and packs all the flavor of a loaded Italian sub without the bread. First made famous by the Kardashians, but rooted in Beverly Hills’ old-school charm, this is a salad that hits every note—from creamy to tangy to meaty. And the best part? It’s super easy to make at home with just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Let’s dive in

Recipe

La Scala Chopped Salad

La Scala Chopped Salad

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8 Reviews/5.00 Average

Ingredients:  

  • 1 Head iceberg lettuce Chopped
  • 1 cup salami Sliced thin
  • 1 19oz san chickpeas Drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese Shredded
  • 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced Sliced thin

For the Dressing

  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup parmesan Plus more for garnishing

Instructions: 

  • With a sharp knife, chop 1 head of iceberg lettuce, salami, red onion, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  • Rinse and drain the chickpeas and add them to the bowl along with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
  • Into a mason jar, add 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar,Dijon mustard, salt and pepper, and grated Parmesan. Seal the jar and give it a good shake until it's fully emulsified.
  • Dress your salad and serve with extra grated Parmesan and black pepper.

What is the La Scala Chopped Salad?

The La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and hearty salad that originated at the iconic La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills. It combines iceberg lettuce, Italian salami, chickpeas, mozzarella cheese, and a zippy vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and seasonings like garlic, black pepper, and salt. Every ingredient is chopped into bite-sized pieces, packing flavor in every forkful. Think of it as an Italian deli platter transformed into a satisfying salad you can make at home.

La scala chopped salad in a bowl.
Crunch, flavor, and pure salad perfection

The All-Star Salad Ingredients

Let’s break down the heart of this La Scala Salad Recipe. It’s all about chopping these bite-sized pieces just right and tossing them in a big large bowl.

  • Iceberg lettuce: The backbone of this recipe. It stays crisp even after being dressed, unlike romaine lettuce, which can sometimes wilt.
  • Chickpeas: These protein-packed gems add texture and heartiness.
  • Mozzarella cheese (bonus points for shredded mozzarella or pecorino if you’re riffing).
  • Italian salami: Salty, meaty, and full of punch—you can also sub in spicy salami or even chicken breasts for a leaner protein option.
  • Optional add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, bell pepper, or even some grated parmesan cheese for a nutty finish.
La Scala Chopped Salad ingredients — pre-toss magic

That Irresistible Vinaigrette

The salad dressing ingredients here are where the magic happens. We’re keeping it simple but flavourful:

  • Extra virgin olive oil for maximum richness
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Dijon mustard (or dry mustard if that’s what you’ve got)
  • A pinch of garlic or garlic powder
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Just a touch of salt to bring everything to life

Toss those dressing ingredients into a small jar with a lid and give it a good whisk or shake. Pour over the salad, and then toss again in the bowl to coat everything evenly.

La scala chopped salad in a bowl with a mason jar of dressing near by,
La Scala Salad dressing: red wine vinegar, olive oil & Dijon

The Importance of Crunch

Crunch is king in the La Scala Chopped Salad recipe. That iceberg lettuce doesn’t mess around—it’s the perfect blank canvas that holds up against the weight of the meat and cheese. But the crunch factor doesn’t end there. Chickpeas, diced bell pepper, and even thinly sliced red onion all bring their own bite to the party.

Pro tip? Wash and dry your lettuce properly. Nothing kills a crisp lettuce vibe faster than excess moisture. A good salad spinner is your friend here. Get that lettuce dry before it hits the bowl. It keeps your salad from going soggy and lets that vinaigrette cling to every bite.

Chopped. Tossed. Totally addictive

Is the La Scala Salad Healthy?

Great question—and the short answer is: it can be! The La Scala Salad Recipe includes plenty of nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas (rich in fiber and protein), fresh vegetables, and olive oil, which is packed with heart-healthy fats. Depending on your variation, you can keep an eye on calories, sodium, cholesterol, and carbohydrates by adjusting how much salami and cheese you add. The beauty is, it’s totally customizable to fit your nutritional needs while still delivering huge flavor.

Plus, you’ll be getting some solid vitamins and minerals like vitamin C from your tomatoes or bell peppers, and plenty of fiber from the garbanzo beans. Whether you’re counting macros or just trying to eat more veggies, this salad checks a lot of boxes.

La scala chopped salad in a bowl.
Loaded with crisp lettuce, salami, chickpeas, and creamy mozzarella

Customizing the La Scala Salad

The real beauty of this La Scala Salad is how endlessly customizable it is. Want to up the protein? Toss in some grilled chicken breasts or roasted turkey. Craving a Tex-Mex vibe? Try shredded chicken with taco spices. Looking to make it veggie-forward? Add diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or even roasted zucchini.

Need to watch your calories, carbohydrates, cholesterol, or sodium intake? You can totally adjust your cheese, meat, and dressing ratios without compromising on flavor. It’s the kind of dish that fits your mood, your fridge contents, and your health goals.

Great for Meal Prep

This salad isn’t just a showstopper for lunch or dinner—it’s a meal prep dream. Once chopped and tossed, it holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and give it a quick toss before serving again. You can even keep the dressing ingredients separate in a small jar if you prefer to dress fresh each time.

Add a squeeze of lemon or an extra teaspoon of vinegar before serving if it needs a little wake-up call. And if you’re bringing it to a potluck or picnic? You’ll be everyone’s favorite guest.

Perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, and healthy dinners

Why This Salad Tastes So Good

There’s a reason this salad has become so famous. The flavor profile hits all the right notes: tangy from the vinaigrette, salty from the salami and parmesan cheese, creamy from the mozzarella cheese, and crunchy from the lettuce and veggies. Every bite is balanced. It’s the kind of salad you eat with a fork in one hand and a smile on your face.

Even if you’re not a huge salad fan, the La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe will convert you. It’s hearty, vibrant, and makes you feel like you’re dining al fresco in Beverly Hills—even if you’re just scarfing it down at your kitchen counter.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Viral La Scala Salad

So there you have it. A salad that’s more than just lettuce—it’s an experience. This La Scala Salad Recipe brings together a handful of humble ingredients in a way that just tastes incredible. Whether you’re making it for weekday lunches, a light dinner, or impressing guests, it’s guaranteed to shine.

Give this La Scala Chopped Salad a go, and let us know what variation you try! Did you go with salty salami or spice things up? Add cherry tomatoes or go heavy on the parmesan cheese? I always love seeing your spins on these classics.

Quick salad recipe with protein and crunch

Other Recipes You Will Love!

Party Salad

Crispy Chickpea Greek Salad

Santa Fe Chicken Salad 

Andy Hay

Andy is the founder of ECK, Chef, and let’s admit it… the reason you’re here. He taught himself to cook, and it all paid off when he secured his spot in the season 5 Finale of Master Chef Canada. Now, Andy uses his big energy to showcase recipes that actually make people want to cook. His brand was built on butter and East Coast charm, and Andy’s kept that same energy ever since. Off-camera, you’ll find him doing what started it all: cooking for his two daughters, wife and the people he loves.

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32 Comments

Victor says:

Hello Andy,

I have been following you for sometime now and have made a number of your recipes. But I admit the La Scala salad is one recipe I have on repeat and often. As a southerner I typically replace the red onion with sweet vidalia. Mainly because there is always a basket of vidalias in my kitchen. Also I eat this salad over several days so it’s only dressed as it is consumed. Keep on cooking!

Cheers,






Andy Hay says:

Awesome to hear, Victor! It’s one of my favorites too!

Cindy says:

Hi Andy,
Love this recipe and that it is so customizable. My substitutions were bagged shredded cabbage/carrot coleslaw mix in place of the lettuce. White beans & cucumber in place of the chickpeas (used what I had on hand) and chicken in place of salami (watching sodium). Added tomato & bell peppers. The dressing was perfect even with just using Kraft Light shaker parm.






Andy Hay says:

Sounds great, Cindy!

Megs says:

This salad is all I want to eat for the rest of my life.






Andy Hay says:

Best comment ever, Megs! Thanks for trying this one!

Aimee says:

I had this salad at Dan Tana’s in Hollywood, CA. Yummy! Simple

Andy Hay says:

Love that, Aimee! Thanks for sharing!

Jane says:

Hi Andy I know this recipe can be tweaked so it’s hard to give accurate information but do you have any nutritional info please ?

Andy Hay says:

Hi Jane, we’re working on adding more nutrition details to future recipes, so stay tuned! In the meantime, a free nutrition app is super helpful for plugging in your specific version. Appreciate the feedback!

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