Dinner

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

ByHarper Ellington December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

Introduction

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and flavorful mix that combines fresh vegetables, savory salami, and tangy provolone cheese. With a simple red wine vinegar dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish.

A large white bowl is filled with a fresh, colorful salad. The bottom layer is crisp, light green lettuce leaves unevenly torn. On top of this are bright red halved cherry tomatoes, cream-colored chickpeas, thin slices of pink and white radishes, and small pieces of pale green cucumber. There are also thin slices of dark red salami scattered across. Over the center are thin, off-white cheese shavings. Around the bowl on a wooden board, there are slices of crusty light brown bread, a small white bowl of green olives, a small clear bowl of golden-brown dressing, and a white bowl filled with grated cheese. All items sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head romaine lettuce (chopped)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/2 cup radishes (sliced)
1/2 cup garbanzo beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
1/2 cup salami (diced)
1/2 cup provolone cheese (diced)
1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, radishes, garbanzo beans, diced salami, provolone cheese, Kalamata olives, and chopped parsley.
Step 2: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light meal.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor in this salad.
Substitute salami with pepperoni or prosciutto for a different taste.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing for extra brightness.
For a vegetarian option, omit the salami and add extra chickpeas or roasted nuts.

Storage

Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. The salad is best enjoyed the same day for optimal texture.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a fresh chopped salad that shows multiple layers and colors: a base layer of green lettuce, mixed with bright red halved cherry tomatoes, pale beige chickpeas, thin white radish slices with pink edges, light green cucumber pieces, and small chunks of dark red salami spread mostly on the right side; on top are thin, wide, pale yellow shavings of cheese placed towards the center. The bowl sits on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl are two slices of thick bread on the left, a small white bowl of green olives, a small glass bowl of mustard vinaigrette, and a small white bowl of grated cheese to the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to keep the salad ingredients and dressing separate if making ahead. Combine them just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.