This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a colorful mix of fresh veggies and tasty ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and garbanzo beans. It’s refreshing and super easy to make!
Who doesn’t love a salad that looks pretty and tastes delicious? I enjoy tossing all the ingredients together and drizzling on the dressing right before serving. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: Chopped romaine gives a great crunch. If you can’t find it, any crisp lettuce will do, like iceberg or even green leaf. Just remember to wash and dry it well!
Radicchio: This adds a nice bitter note. If it’s not available, you can skip it or use more romaine. Some people like adding green bell pepper for crunch and flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices. For a twist, try crumbled feta or goat cheese in place of mozzarella. They add a tangy kick!
Pepperoni: If you want a healthier option, use turkey or chicken pepperoni. For a vegetarian version, substitute with vegan pepperoni or skip it altogether.
Garbanzo Beans: These are packed with protein. You can replace them with black beans or kidney beans if you prefer beans with a different flavor.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing for My Salad?
The dressing can really enhance the salad. Here’s how to make it just right:
- In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil and red wine vinegar. This gives a delicious tangy flavor.
- Add dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes for some kick. Adjust the heat based on your preference!
- If you like garlic, add minced garlic for extra flavor. It’s optional, but I think it’s a great touch.
- Mix in sugar or honey to balance the tartness. This makes the dressing smooth and tasty.
- Whisk well or shake in the jar until well combined. This mixes all the flavors beautifully.
Drizzle this dressing right before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh. Enjoy your colorful, tasty chopped salad!
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped radicchio or iceberg lettuce (optional for some bitterness)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni sticks or pepperoni strips
- 1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced fresh tomatoes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
Time Needed:
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. No need for cooking, just chop and mix! It’s quick and perfect for a refreshing meal.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Greens:
Start by washing and drying the romaine lettuce and any optional radicchio or iceberg lettuce you’re using. Chop them finely and place them into a large salad bowl. The more finely you chop, the better the mix of flavors!
2. Add the Cheeses:
Next, add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the bowl with the lettuce. These creamy cheeses add a delightful richness to the salad.
3. Incorporate the Pepperoni:
Slice the pepperoni sticks into thin strips and toss them into the salad. This will give your dish a savory punch!
4. Mix in the Beans:
Add the drained and rinsed garbanzo beans, which pack in some protein and texture. They’re a great filling addition!
5. Optional Fresh Veggies:
If you like, add diced cucumbers and tomatoes to enhance freshness and color in your salad. They make it even more vibrant!
6. Season the Salad:
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the entire mixture to taste. This brings out all the flavors.
7. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and sugar or honey. Whisk or shake well until everything is nicely mixed.
8. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the chopped salad. Toss everything together gently until it’s evenly coated. This is where the magic happens!
9. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference!
10. Serve Immediately:
Your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is ready! Serve it immediately as a colorful side dish or as a light main course. Enjoy the fresh, crunchy textures and the burst of flavors!
This refreshing salad is a great addition to any meal, perfect for warm days, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! If you can’t find romaine or radicchio, try using iceberg lettuce, green leaf, or even spinach. Just make sure the lettuce is crisp for the best texture.
How Can I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate. This will help maintain the lettuce’s crunch. Enjoy the leftovers within 1-2 days for optimal freshness!
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use turkey or chicken pepperoni. For a vegetarian or vegan version, try substituting with vegan pepperoni or omitting it entirely and adding extra beans or nuts for protein.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
You can prepare the salad ingredients (except for the dressing) a few hours ahead. Just keep everything refrigerated in separate containers. Dress the salad right before serving to keep it fresh.
