If you have a fondness for vibrant, flavor-packed chopped salads, this Copycat La Scala Chopped Salad is an absolute must-try! It’s a culinary tribute to the famous Beverly Hills eatery, La Scala, and their iconic Italian chopped salad. Every forkful is loaded with finely chopped, crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, offering a refreshing base. Creamy mozzarella cheese provides a smooth counterpoint, while thinly sliced salami adds a delicious, savory kick. Hearty chickpeas contribute plant-based protein and a satisfying texture. The entire medley is then tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette that perfectly harmonizes all the components, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience.

This easy-to-make Beverly Hills La Scala Salad is wonderfully versatile, serving as an excellent choice for a quick lunch, a light yet fulfilling dinner, or an impressive dish when entertaining guests. You might also recognize this viral sensation as the “Kim Kardashian salad” or perhaps stumbled upon its popularity across social media platforms like TikTok. It shares a similar celebrity-inspired buzz with my Jennifer Aniston salad, which I shared last year and quickly became a beloved classic!

Whether you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying this exquisite salad at the original La Scala restaurant or you’re discovering its timeless appeal for the very first time, this classic Italian chopped salad undoubtedly deserves a prominent place on your table. It’s an excellent addition to your regular meal rotation. We often alternate between this straightforward La Scala salad, our refreshing Maroulosalata Greek Lettuce Salad, or a bright and zesty Lemon Arugula Salad for a variety of fresh, healthy options.

Essential Recipe Ingredients for Your La Scala Salad

Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the ingredients needed for this iconic salad. For precise measurements, please refer to the full recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For the Salad Base and Toppings:

• Crisp Greens: The foundation of this salad relies on a perfectly crisp mix of shredded romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce. This combination provides both structural integrity and an unbeatable crunch, creating the ideal canvas for all the other vibrant ingredients. For an extra crisp texture, consider soaking your shredded lettuce in an ice bath for about 5 minutes before draining thoroughly and drying.
• Nutrient-Rich Beans: Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are an excellent addition, offering a wonderful boost of plant-based protein and fiber without making the salad overly heavy. If using canned chickpeas, always remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve their flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can soak dried chickpeas overnight and cook them fresh for an even more tender result.
• Flavorful Salami: Italian salami is a key ingredient, providing a delightful saltiness, a hint of spice, and a satisfying chewy texture. Thinly slicing the salami ensures that its robust flavor is evenly distributed throughout each bite. For variations, you could experiment with other cured meats like spicy pepperoni, classic Genoa salami, or sophisticated Soppressata, each offering its unique flavor profile.
• Creamy Cheeses: A harmonious blend of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory profile. Mozzarella contributes a mild, creamy texture, while Parmesan delivers a sharp, salty depth. For an elevated experience, try using fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces, and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, which melt slightly and add a luxurious touch.

For the Zesty Dressing:

• Quality Olive Oil: The dressing’s base is extra virgin olive oil. Opt for the best quality you have on hand, as its robust, fruity, or earthy flavor will significantly impact the overall taste of the vinaigrette. A good olive oil elevates the entire salad.
• Tangy Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is essential for adding a bright, acidic tang to the dressing. Its sharpness cuts through the richness of the cheese and salami, balancing the flavors beautifully and creating that characteristic zesty Italian profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard acts as both a flavor enhancer and an emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and vinegar together into a smooth, creamy dressing. It contributes a distinctive tangy and slightly pungent flavor. If you prefer, dry mustard powder or stone-ground mustard can be used for a slightly different taste experience.
• Rich Pecorino Romano Cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano cheese is the secret weapon in this dressing. Its intensely salty, sharp, and slightly pungent flavor infuses the vinaigrette with incredible depth and umami, making the dressing truly irresistible. While Parmesan can be substituted, Pecorino Romano offers a more authentic and robust flavor that is central to the La Scala experience.

Creative Flavor Variations: The beauty of this chopped salad lies in its adaptability. For a **Greek-inspired twist**, incorporate briny kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and a light red wine vinegar and oregano dressing. To give it a **Middle Eastern flair**, sprinkle with aromatic sumac and fresh mint, drizzle with a touch of creamy tahini, and add crunchy pine nuts. For a **Spanish-style sensation**, throw in some vibrant piquillo peppers, cubes of nutty Manchego cheese, and delicate Marcona almonds. You could even go for a **Spicy Italian version** by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes and some thinly sliced hot capicola, or a **Mediterranean Herb Garden** rendition with fresh basil, parsley, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.

How to Master This Copycat La Scala Salad at Home

Creating this famed Beverly Hills salad in your own kitchen is surprisingly simple. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious and vibrant meal.

Step 1: Prepare and Mix Salad Ingredients: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the freshly shredded romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce. Add the thinly sliced salami, drained and rinsed garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss all these ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Zesty Dressing: In a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, or a dedicated salad dressing container, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. Secure the lid and shake vigorously, or whisk well in a bowl, until all the ingredients are fully combined and emulsified into a smooth, consistent vinaigrette.

Step 3: Dress the Salad and Toss: Begin by adding about half of the prepared dressing to your large bowl of mixed salad ingredients. Toss everything thoroughly, ensuring that every piece of lettuce and every component is lightly coated with the vinaigrette. Taste a small portion, and then add more dressing to your personal preference, continuing to toss until evenly coated. The goal is to lightly dress, not drench, the salad.

Chef’s Pro Tip: To maintain the freshest and crispiest texture, always add the dressing to the salad just before you intend to serve it. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and becoming soggy, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.

Step 4: Final Garnish and Serve: Once dressed to your liking, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad for an extra layer of savory flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and crispness. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, a splash of the reserved dressing can help revive and brighten the flavors of the salad. For optimal results, ensure the dressing is applied freshly when serving leftovers.

Recipe Tip for Perfect Bites: For the authentic La Scala experience and to ensure a balanced flavor in every mouthful, make sure to chop all your salad ingredients, especially the lettuce, into uniform, small pieces. This creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making each bite equally enjoyable.

Creative Leftover Ideas to Reinvent Your Salad

Don’t let any of this delicious salad go to waste! Here are some fantastic ways to repurpose your leftovers:

• Savory Salad Wraps: Transform your leftover La Scala Chopped Salad into a quick and satisfying meal by spooning it into soft pita wraps or large lettuce cups. You can easily elevate this by adding extra protein such as tender grilled Greek chicken, thinly sliced deli turkey, or even more cheese for a heartier wrap.
• Nourishing Grain Bowls: Create a wholesome and filling grain bowl by adding the salad to a base of fluffy quinoa, wholesome brown rice, or herbed couscous. The freshness of the salad will beautifully complement the warm grains. It also pairs wonderfully with this vibrant Mediterranean Salmon Bowl or a zesty Greek Quinoa Bowl, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Flavorful Pita Pockets: Stuff warm pita pockets with the leftover salad for a convenient and delicious hand-held meal. For an added layer of flavor and substance, pair it with tender grilled balsamic steak, or complement its flavors with a dollop of creamy lemon hummus, creating a Mediterranean-inspired delight.

Perfect Serving Ideas for Your La Scala Chopped Salad

This versatile salad can be served in many ways, from a light main course to a vibrant side dish. Here are some suggestions to inspire your next meal:

• Serve as a delightful and refreshing starter to any Italian-themed meal. It pairs beautifully with hearty main courses like this comforting Slow Cooker Lasagna or a warming bowl of Italian Lentil Soup. The crispness of the salad offers a perfect contrast to richer, cooked dishes.
• Complement it with delicate Mediterranean seafood dishes. The bright flavors of the salad beautifully enhance light fish preparations such as this flaky Baked Cod with Lemon or a succulent Black Sea Bass Recipe.
• Integrate it into a more substantial bowl. Add it as a fresh component to a hearty base like this Easy Mediterranean Hummus Bowl or a customized power bowl with your favorite grains and proteins. Its vibrant flavors and textures will elevate any bowl creation.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Leftover Tips for Freshness

To ensure your La Scala Chopped Salad remains as crisp and delicious as possible, proper preparation and storage are key:

• Make-Ahead Preparation: This salad can be prepped in advance, which is a fantastic time-saver for busy schedules or entertaining. Chop all your salad ingredients and store them separately in airtight containers. Crucially, keep the dressing completely separate until the very last moment before serving. This preventative measure is essential to stop the delicate lettuce from wilting and ensures a fresh, crisp texture when it’s time to eat.
• Optimal Storage: If your salad has already been dressed, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the lettuce may soften slightly, the flavors will still be delicious. For undressed salad components, they can typically be stored for up to 3 days. I highly recommend reserving about half of the dressing specifically for refreshing leftovers. A quick toss with fresh dressing can significantly revive the salad’s taste and texture. You can also add a small handful of freshly chopped lettuce to the leftover salad to reintroduce a vibrant crispness.
• Handling Leftovers Strategically: If you anticipate having leftovers, a smart strategy is to dress only the portion of the salad you plan to eat immediately. This approach is the most effective way to preserve the crispness of the lettuce and the firm texture of the salami, ensuring that every subsequent serving is as enjoyable as the first.