Famous La Scala Chopped Salad (Easy Copycat Recipe) (2024)

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This La Scala Chopped Salad features crisp lettuce, salty salami, and a tangy dressing. While this viral recipe is relatively new to social media, it’s been around for decades.

Looking for more freshsalad recipes? Try our shaved brussel sprout salad, cucumber tomato avocado salad, or quinoa salad with feta.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad (Easy Copycat Recipe) (1)

Table of Contents

  • What is the La Scala Chopped Salad?
  • Why I Love This Italian Chopped Salad
  • How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad (Copycat Recipe)
  • Expert Recipe Tips
  • Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
  • Recipe Variations
  • More Salad Recipes
  • La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Kim Kardashian made this famous salad recipe go viral for good reason.I love this salad so much I even turned it into an Italian pasta salad with salami.

What is the La Scala Chopped Salad?

The La Scala Chopped Salad is a legendary salad created by Chef Jean Leon, owner of the La Scala restaurant.

This famoussalad recipehas been serving Hollywood stars since the 1950s and recently became popular at home thanks to Kim Kardashian and TikTok.

Why I Love This Italian Chopped Salad

  1. Fresh ingredients that are easy to customize.
  2. So many delicious flavors from the salty salami, rich mozzarella, and tangy dressing ingredients.
  3. It’s healthy and low carb, but so satisfying—which makes it one of my favorite salads.
  4. This delicious salad is hearty enough for lunch on its own and easy to par with protein.
  5. You don’t have to be a famous celebrity to enjoy it at home!

How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad (Copycat Recipe)

Make the homemade dressing:add all of the ingredients to a small bowl or small jar. Shake everything together with a lid or use a whisk or spoon to stir all of the ingredients until combined.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad (Easy Copycat Recipe) (2)

Combine:Add all of the chopped lettuce, a can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed), Italian salami, and mozzarella cheese to a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing on top and toss to coat.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad (Easy Copycat Recipe) (3)

Serve: Enjoy this la scala salad recipe right away. Store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days. Store the dressing separately to prep in advance.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad (Easy Copycat Recipe) (4)

Expert Recipe Tips

  1. Chop all of the ingredients to a uniform size. Shred the lettuce and cut the salami into thin strips. This combined with the shredded mozzarella is what makes a chopped salad so good.
  2. Buy pre-washed and shredded romaine and iceberg lettuce to save time.
  3. Use quality ingredients for the best salad. There aren’t many of them, so make sure to use crisp iceberg lettuce, and quality salami and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

To make ahead: The entire famous chopped salad can be made ahead the day before, or you can prep all of the components.

Chop all of the ingredients ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Make and store the dressing separately and toss just before serving. Perfect for meal prep!

To store: keep the leftovers in the fridge and enjoy within 1-2 days. Note: the dressing may cause the lettuce to wilt.

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad (Easy Copycat Recipe) (5)

Recipe Variations

  • Add more Italian ingredients: throw in some sliced red onion, slivered sun-dried tomatoes, and thinly sliced bell pepper.
  • Add protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken breasts or grilled chicken thighs, or serve them on the side.
  • Vegetarian version: Omit the salami to create a delicious vegetarian chopped salad.
  • Mediterranean twist: Add feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and cucumbers.

More Salad Recipes

  • Grilled Peach Salad
  • Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
  • Tomato Peach Burrata Salad
  • Lemon Orzo Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
  • La Scala Chopped Pasta Salad
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 9 votes

La Scala Chopped Salad

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 0 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

This famous La Scala Chopped Salad is so easy to make at home! Toss the dressing and all of the ingredients together and enjoy on its own as a main dish or healthy lunch, or serve it on the side with your favorite protein.

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Molly Thompson

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

Salad Dressing

  • cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated parmesan cheese

Chopped Salad

  • 1 head (5-6 cups) shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 head (4-5 cups) shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • ¼ lb (4 ounces) Italian salami thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Add all of the salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl or small jar. Whisk everything together or close the lid and shake to combine.

  • To a large bowl, add the shredded lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, and mozzarella cheese. Pour the prepared dressing on top and toss to coat.

  • Enjoy this la scala salad recipe right away. Store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days. Store the dressing separately to prep in advance.

Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Shortcuts: purchase pre-shredded lettuce to save time chopping.

Italian Salami: this is different than lunchmeat or shaved salami you will find at the deli. I found it next to the specialty cheese section in our local grocery store.

Video

Equipment

  • Large bowl

  • Small bowl or jar to mix the dressing

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 13.8g | Protein: 24.7g | Fat: 24.7g | Cholesterol: 36.5mg | Sodium: 1216mg | Fiber: 4.6g | Sugar: 1.6g | Vitamin A: 136.5IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad (Easy Copycat Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What is the Leon's salad from La Scala? ›

The La Scala chopped salad was first created in the 50s by Chef Jean Leon at La Scala in Beverly Hills. It was made of iceberg lettuce, salami, marinated chickpeas, and cheese. Over the years, the salad has become a cult favorite and been praised by celebs such as Elizabeth Taylor and even JFK.

What is the Kardashian's favorite salad? ›

This viral La Scala Chopped Salad was made famous by none other than the Kardashians, so you know I needed to give it a try. All of the great flavours from an Italian cold cut but in a salad format. The best part is how customizable it is; grab what you love, give it a quick chop, and enjoy!

How do you make Eccolo chopped salad? ›

Combine radicchio, lettuce, celery, scallions in a mixing bowl. Add ½ the dressing and toss. Add pomegranate seeds, persimmon, pinenuts, avocado, and bleu cheese. Add remaining dressing toss gently until cheese and avocado just start to blend.

What is chopped Italian salad made of? ›

Classic Ingredients for an Italian Chopped Salad
  1. Cherry Tomatoes.
  2. Red Onion – soak slices briefly in cold water to soften their pungency.
  3. Chickpeas – see note about marinating chickpeas in advance.
  4. Genoa Salami.
  5. Provolone Cheese – or bocconcini.
  6. Pepperoncini – spicy deli-style pickled peppers.
  7. Dried Oregano – not stale!
Dec 16, 2023

Why is it called Waldorf salad? ›

Waldorf salad is named for the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, where it was first created for a charity ball given in honor of the St. Mary's Hospital for Children on March 13, 1896.

How to make Kylie Jenner salad? ›

In a large bowl, add tahini, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar substitute, salt and pepper. Whisk until combined. To the top of the dressing, add lettuce, red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, slivered almonds, sesame seeds and chicken. Toss to evenly coat.

What is the super expensive salad? ›

At $US1912, the upgraded McCarthy salad may be a contender for the world's most expensive. The record was previously set in 2003 by French chef Raymond Blanc for a $1128 (£635) Florette Sea and Earth salad, which featured a range of rare caviars, langoustines, Cornish crab and lobster.

Why do chopped salads taste better? ›

In a tossed salad, you may taste two or even several ingredients at a time, but rarely are all present in each mouthful, and the proportion of flavors varies widely from bite to bite. But a well-made chopped salad presents you with a harmonious, balanced combination of sweet, salty, sour, and bitter flavors every time.

Why are chopped salads so popular? ›

The allure of the chopped salad is multi-faceted. From a technical standpoint, the cutting of all ingredients into a uniform size and tossing them together means you'll be able to taste everything in each bite.

Why do Italians eat salad at end of meal? ›

Serving salad after the main course of a meal is an older tradition in Italy, and nowadays it is usually observed at large and formal dinners rather than during everyday meals. Eating a salad after a meal can help digestion, while eating one before a meal may help discourage overeating.

What is in a Subway Club Chopped salad? ›

Our premium sliced turkey breast, lean roast beef and tasty Black Forest ham…all tossed with crunchy lettuce and your choice of tasty veggies. It's the Subway Club® chopped salad, and it's amazing.

How do you make chopped salad last longer? ›

Use a Salad Spinner: Before chopping your vegetables, use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. This will help to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh for longer. Store in an Airtight Container: Once you have chopped your vegetables, store them in an airtight container.

What happened to Leon's potato salad? ›

As of Fall 2021 the company who currently owns the recipe for Leon's Potato Salad has STOPPED production of Leon's Potato Salad. They now have a potato salad called Sandridge Traditional Potato Salad that tastes just like Leon's the only difference is that the potatoes are CUT differently.

What is the history of the Waldorf salad? ›

The Waldorf salad, originally a simple apple-celery-mayo combo, was introduced on March 14, 1893, at a charity ball honoring St. Mary's Hospital for Children. Its debut coincided with that of the Waldorf hotel, which opened the previous day.

How much is La Scala salad? ›

MOZZARELLA ALLA MARINARA BREADED AND FRIED MOZZARELLA CHEESE IN A MARINARA SAUCE11.95
INSALATE
LA SCALA ORIGINAL CHOPPED SALAD LETTUCE, SALAMI, MOZZARELLA CHEESE, MARINATED GARBANZO BEANS, LEON DRESSINGHALF 9 .50 FULL 12.50
160 more rows

What is the name of the salad that was invented at Hotel Caesar's in Tijuana? ›

Caesar salad was invented in the early 1920s by Caesar Cardini, an Italian chef who owned a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. He moved to Tijuana from California to avoid Prohibition, and it was here, on July 4th, 1924, where Caesar is believed to have invented the Caesar Salad.

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