La Scala Chopped Salad – Illinois | Italian Salami, Mozzarella, Chickpeas, Romaine

I’m excited to share how the La Scala Chopped Salad has found a home in Illinois, blending its LA roots with familiar Italian-American vibes. I love how Italian salami brings bold flavor, creamy mozzarella adds richness, hearty chickpeas offer protein, and crisp romaine keeps it light and fresh. It’s a go-to for quick meals here, and you’ll uncover tips, twists, and full recipes just around the corner.

History

The La Scala Chopped Salad originated in the mid-20th century at the La Scala restaurant in Los Angeles, drawing from Italian-American culinary traditions that blend fresh Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like lettuce, salami, cheese, and chickpeas with American convenience.

Regional variations across the U.S., such as adding avocados in California or different cheeses in the Northeast, highlight the dish’s adaptability and its significance in showcasing local flavors within Italian-American fusion cuisine.

Traditionally, it’s served in casual dining contexts, often as a light lunch or side dish at restaurants, social gatherings, or even celebrity events, emphasizing its role in everyday, accessible meals.

Ingredients

– Crisp romaine lettuce, the leafy base that holds everything together****: You know, when you’re building a salad, it’s like starting with a solid foundation.

Think of this as the unsung hero that adds that satisfying crunch without stealing the show.

Wondering if your salad would even be a salad without it?

Go for a couple of heads, chopped into bite-sized pieces for that easy-to-eat vibe.

– Sliced salami, for a punchy, meaty kick that keeps things interesting**: Oh, this one’s the fun rebel in the mix, bringing in that savory, slightly spicy edge** that makes you pause and savor each bite.

Ever think about how a little cured meat can turn a simple greens pile into something worth talking about?

Aim for about 4 ounces, thinly sliced and diced up, because who wants to wrestle with big chunks when life’s already complicated enough?

– Grated mozzarella cheese, the creamy dream that ties flavors in a cozy hug: Imagine this ingredient as your salad’s best friend, melting just a bit to create that gooey goodness without overpowering the crowd.

Do you ever wonder why cheese makes everything better?

Grab around a cup, freshly grated for maximum meltiness, and maybe chuckle at how it sneakily turns a healthy dish into a guilty pleasure.

– Plump chickpeas, adding a nutty texture that keeps you coming back for more: These little guys are like the reliable sidekick, offering a hearty bite and a protein boost that says, “Hey, this salad means business.”

And let’s be honest, without them, you’d miss that satisfying pop in your mouth, right?

Use a 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed, because overdoing the prep might just leave you questioning your life choices in the kitchen.

– Juicy tomatoes, for that burst of freshness that brightens the whole ensemble****: Tomatoes are the sunshine in your bowl, dripping with that sweet-tangy vibe that makes you appreciate the simple things.

Ever notice how they turn a basic chop into a flavor party?

Opt for 2 cups of cherry or diced Roma tomatoes, because skimping here would be like serving a salad without its soul, and nobody wants that awkward moment.

– Crunchy red onions, slicing in a sharp zing that wakes up your taste buds****: These add a playful edge, like that friend who keeps things lively without trying too hard.

Do you ever think about how a little onion can make or break the balance?

Slice up half a medium one, thinly for that subtle bite, and if you’re feeling dramatic, soak them in water first to tame the sting, because we all have our onion-related battles.

– Optional black olives, for a briny twist that nods to those Mediterranean roots****: If you’re in the mood for a salty surprise, these little rounds bring in that classic vibe, making you wonder if your salad could pass for a mini vacation.

After all, who says everyday eating can’t feel a tad exotic?

Toss in about 1/2 cup, pitted and sliced, as a lighthearted add-on that might just save the day on a blah afternoon.

– A simple vinaigrette dressing, to pull it all together without the fuss: This is the glue that makes the magic happen, a mix of olive oil, vinegar, and a hint of herbs that whispers, “I’ve got this.”

Ever ponder how the right dressing can elevate things from okay to outstanding?

Whisk up about 1/4 cup each of oil and vinegar, with a dash of salt and pepper, because let’s face it, a dry salad is just sad, and we’re aiming for smiles here.

Cooking Steps

Let’s jump into putting together this La Scala Chopped Salad, where the real magic happens in the chopping and mixing—think of it as a casual dance party in your kitchen, with each ingredient waiting for its cue.

Start by preparing a couple of heads of crisp romaine lettuce, chopping them into bite-sized pieces to create that sturdy base that holds all the goodies without turning into a wilted mess.

Next, grab about 4 ounces of sliced salami, dicing it into small bits for that punchy flavor boost, and wonder if life’s little victories include not having to chase slippery meat around your plate.

Then, mix in a cup of grated mozzarella cheese, making sure it’s freshly grated for that creamy melt that pulls everything together, because who knew a simple cheese could turn ordinary greens into something almost irresistible?

Once your base is ready, add the plump chickpeas from a 15-ounce can—drain and rinse them well to avoid any extra liquid that might make your salad soggy, like that time you forgot and ended up with a soupy surprise.

Toss in 2 cups of juicy tomatoes, whether they’re cherry or diced Roma varieties, for that fresh burst that brightens the whole bowl and makes you pause to appreciate nature’s little gifts.

Don’t forget half a medium red onion, sliced thinly for a sharp zing that adds personality—maybe even soak those slices in water if you’re aiming for a milder kick, because sometimes toning down the bite is like giving your taste buds a gentle high-five instead of a full handshake.

To bring it all together, combine the chopped ingredients in a large bowl and gently toss them with your hands or a pair of tongs, ensuring every bite has a mix of textures and flavors that keeps things exciting.

If you’re adding a dressing, go for something simple like a vinaigrette to tie it all in without overwhelming the stars of the show—after all, the salad’s charm is in its fresh simplicity.

Finally, serve it up right away for the best crunch, and maybe sneak in a taste test or two, because resisting a perfectly assembled salad is harder than it looks.

Tips and Variations

If you’re tweaking the La Scala Chopped Salad for your next meal, consider swapping out the salami for crispy bacon bits or even grilled chicken to amp up the protein without losing that savory punch—after all, who says a salad can’t flex its muscles?

For a lighter twist, ditch the mozzarella and opt for crumbled feta instead, adding a tangy zing that dances on your tongue like an unexpected guest at a party, or toss in some avocado chunks for extra creaminess that makes every forkful feel indulgent.

And if you’re dealing with picky eaters, soak those red onion slices longer to tame their sharpness, because sometimes a little diplomacy in the kitchen is like giving your dish a second chance to shine.

Experiment with herbs like fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor, turning a simple chop into your own personalized masterpiece, but remember to keep portions balanced so nothing overwhelms the fresh crunch of that romaine base.

Tools

Kitchen Tool	Purpose
Cutting Board	For safely chopping ingredients like vegetables and meats
Chef’s Knife	For finely chopping lettuce, onions, and other components
Large Mixing Bowl	For combining and tossing all salad ingredients together
Salad Spinner	For washing and drying the romaine lettuce to keep it crisp
Measuring Cups	For accurately measuring ingredients like oil or vinegar
Measuring Spoons	For precise measurements of seasonings and dressings
Whisk	For mixing salad dressings smoothly
Tongs or Salad Fork	For tossing and serving the salad without bruising ingredients