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There's something magical about a perfectly executed chopped salad – that ideal combination of crisp textures, salty bits, and tangy dressing coating each morsel just right. La Scala's famous chopped salad has achieved cult status for good reason. This Beverly Hills institution has been serving their signature dish since 1956, and it continues to draw celebrities and food lovers alike who crave that distinctive blend of flavors and textures that somehow transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
I first attempted to recreate this salad after enjoying it at the restaurant years ago, and through trial and error, I've found that attention to detail makes all the difference. When I served my perfected version at a recent lunch gathering, my friend who regularly dines at La Scala couldn't believe it wasn't the original.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Lettuce: A mix of iceberg and romaine creates the perfect texture. Choose fresh, unwilted leaves.
- Italian Salami: Opt for high-quality, dry-aged salami such as Genoa or soppressata. Dicing it fresh ensures the right texture.
- Chickpeas: Drain and dry thoroughly before use to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
- Cheese: Firm mozzarella provides creaminess, while grated Pecorino Romano in the dressing adds umami depth.
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The quality of your olive oil significantly impacts the final flavor. I recommend using a good-quality extra virgin olive oil with a fruity rather than peppery profile for this particular dressing.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a jar, combine 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 small minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to emulsify. Let sit while preparing other ingredients.
- Perfect Your Chopping Technique:
- Wash and dry 1/2 head iceberg and 1 small head romaine. Slice into thin strips, then finely chop into small, uniform pieces.
- Prepare the Protein and Cheese:
- Dice 6 ounces of salami and 8 ounces of mozzarella into 1/4-inch cubes for even distribution.
- Prepare the Chickpeas:
- Drain and rinse 1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas. Pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas.
- Dress the Salad:
- Shake the dressing again and drizzle about two-thirds over the salad. Toss gently, ensuring even coating. Add more dressing if needed.
- Serve Immediately:
- Transfer to chilled plates and garnish with extra grated Pecorino Romano if desired.
I discovered the importance of proper ingredient proportions through trial and error. My early attempts had too much lettuce relative to the other ingredients, missing that perfect balance La Scala achieves. After adjusting the ratios to include more of the flavorful add-ins, the salad transformed from good to exceptional.
I once served this salad at an outdoor gathering where a guest who claimed to 'hate salads' tried it reluctantly. The perfectly balanced flavors and satisfying textures converted him immediately – he asked for the recipe before leaving and later told me it had become a weekly staple in his home. That's the power of a truly exceptional salad like La Scala's.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes this La Scala salad different from other chopped salads?
- La Scala's famous chopped salad stands out with its specific combination of finely shredded lettuce, Italian salami, chickpeas, and mozzarella cheese. The unique dressing with Pecorino Romano cheese mixed directly into it creates a distinctive flavor profile that has made this salad legendary in Beverly Hills.
- → Can I make this salad vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the salami. The chickpeas already provide protein, but you could add extra veggies like diced bell peppers, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes to add more substance and flavor variety.
- → How finely should I shred the lettuce for an authentic La Scala chopped salad?
- For an authentic La Scala experience, shred the lettuce quite finely into thin strips about 1/4-inch wide. This creates the distinctive texture where every ingredient is similar in size, allowing the dressing to coat everything evenly.
- → What can I substitute for Italian salami if I can't find it?
- If you can't find Italian salami, you can substitute with Genoa salami, soppressata, or even good quality pepperoni. For a different flavor profile, prosciutto or ham would also work well, though they'll provide a slightly different texture and taste.
- → Can I prepare components of this salad ahead of time?
- Yes, this salad works well for meal prep. You can shred the lettuce up to 2 days ahead (store with a paper towel in an airtight container), prepare the dressing up to 5 days ahead, and chop the salami in advance. Just store components separately and combine right before serving for the best texture and flavor.