If you’re a salad enthusiast or a follower of celebrity food trends, you’ve likely heard whispers about the La Scala Chopped Salad. This crisp, vibrant, and utterly satisfying salad—beloved by celebrities like the Kardashians—originated at La Scala, a famous Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills. Known as one of the ultimate Kardashian salads, it’s a perfect combination of simplicity and bold Italian flavors. In this article, we’ll walk you through a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe and explore what makes this salad a Hollywood staple.
Whether you’re looking for new chopped salad recipes, something to spice up your lunch rotation, or a new go-to healthy salad, this La Scala Chopped Salad ticks all the boxes.
⭐ What is the La Scala Chopped Salad?
The La Scala Chopped Salad is a tightly chopped, Mediterranean-style salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, savory salami, creamy mozzarella cheese, and hearty chickpeas, all tossed in a tangy chopped salad dressing made with oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. It’s nutritious, packed with texture, and deliciously addictive.
Unlike other Italian salads that might be overloaded with ingredients, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. Each bite delivers flavor, making it a satisfying main course or a bright side dish.
🛒 Ingredients – What You’ll Need
🥗 For the Salad Base:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup Genoa salami, thinly sliced and chopped
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, finely diced (or shredded for convenience)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional but adds depth)
💡 Tip: Use fresh ingredients, and chop them finely. The uniform size gives that iconic chopped salad texture and flavor.
🥣 For the Signature Chopped Salad Dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for added Italian flair)
🍴 The dressing is what elevates this salad. The tang from the vinegar, the heat from the mustard, and the richness of olive oil bring everything together.
🧑🍳 How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad
This recipe is incredibly simple and comes together in under 15 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.
🥬 Step 1: Chop Your Salad Ingredients
Chop romaine lettuce finely and uniformly. This isn’t a rustic, leafy salad; every ingredient should be chopped small enough to fit easily on a fork and offer a consistent bite.
Pro tip: Dry your lettuce thoroughly after rinsing. Any extra moisture will water down the dressing and dull the flavors.
Then chop the salami, mozzarella, and any other add-ins (like red onions or cherry tomatoes, if you’re customizing). Rinse and drain your chickpeas thoroughly.
🥄 Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste. The result should be a well-emulsified, slightly tangy dressing that clings to every piece of chopped lettuce and cheese.
If you like a stronger garlic punch, let the minced garlic sit in the vinegar for a few minutes before adding the oil and other ingredients. This slightly pickles it and mellows the sharpness.
🥗 Step 3: Toss and Serve
In a large bowl, combine all the chopped salad ingredients. Pour in the dressing and toss thoroughly until everything is coated. Serve immediately for the freshest texture.
You can garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few extra chickpeas on top.
🥑 Customization Ideas
While the original La Scala Chopped Salad is iconic, here are a few delicious variations to make it your own:
1. Add Avocado
Creamy avocado adds a dose of healthy fats and a luscious texture.
2. Make it Vegetarian
Skip the salami or replace it with chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for that savory punch.
3. Swap the Cheese
Mozzarella is classic, but fresh feta or provolone makes great alternatives.
4. Extra Protein
Top with grilled chicken, turkey, or even tuna for a complete meat meal that’s satisfying and protein-rich.
🌿 Nutritional Highlights
This salad isn’t just trendy—it’s healthy and balanced, too:
- Protein: Chickpeas and salami provide plant and animal protein.
- Fiber: Romaine and chickpeas contribute fiber for digestive health.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and mozzarella deliver monounsaturated fats.
- Low Carb Option: Skip the chickpeas if you’re looking for a low-carb version.
It’s a perfect option for those looking for healthy salads that don’t compromise on taste.
🍽 Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This salad is great for meal prep! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the lettuce from getting soggy.
- Chop ingredients ahead and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Don’t freeze this salad—it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
🧺 Perfect Pairings
This salad works well as a standalone meal or part of a larger spread. Here are a few foreign food recipes and sides to consider:
- Flatbread or Pita: For scooping and added texture.
- Grilled Chicken or Lamb: To build out a Mediterranean platter.
- Lemon Orzo Soup: For a light, warm starter.
🌍 Cultural Roots and Rise to Fame
This isn’t just a salad—it’s a piece of culinary history from Beverly Hills. Created in the 1950s by Jean Leon, the founder of La Scala, it was designed to be elegant yet easy to eat. Its fine chop made it convenient for business lunches and glamorous guests who wanted to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.
Now, it has gone viral as one of the most talked-about Kardashian salads, trending all over TikTok and Instagram as a simple, Italian salad with major flavor and star power.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Chopped Salad
- ✅ Quick & Easy – Just chop, whisk, toss, and serve.
- ✅ Customizable – Swap out meats, cheeses, or add extra veggies.
- ✅ Balanced – Packed with protein, fiber, and good fats.
- ✅ Impressive Presentation – Perfect for dinner parties or lunch guests.
- ✅ Celebrity-Approved – Feel like you’re dining in Beverly Hills!
🧾 Full La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe (Printable)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup chopped salami (Genoa or hard salami)
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Chop lettuce, salami, and mozzarella finely.
- Rinse chickpeas and drain well.
- In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients.
- Pour dressing over and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate components separately for meal prep.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The La Scala Chopped Salad is proof that simple ingredients, when treated right, can deliver amazing flavor. Whether you’re preparing a weekday lunch or looking for a light dish to impress guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s no surprise this has become one of the most popular chopped salad recipes and a go-to romaine salad for so many health-conscious foodies.
If you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and delicious, this is it. And if you’re a fan of Kardashian salads, you now have the secret to bringing that Beverly Hills bite home to your kitchen.
