The La Scala salad is a chopped salad that originated at La Scala, a restaurant in Beverly Hills. It’s a celebrity favorite and there are rumors that it’s a Kardashian go-to meal!
This salad is popular because it’s easy to customize. You can add or subtract ingredients to suit your tastes and make it as healthy or indulgent as you like.
It’s also a great balance of flavors and textures, so you’ll never get bored of eating it.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of the La Scala salad, some popular variations, and how to make it at home.
The La Scala Salad: A Little History
La Scala was a legendary Beverly Hills restaurant, a favorite haunt of celebrities and power brokers. With its understated elegance and impeccable service, it drew a glamorous crowd, including the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and JFK. But beyond the star-studded clientele, La Scala is best remembered for one thing: its famous chopped salad.
The story goes that the salad was created almost by accident, a medley of simple ingredients tossed together at the request of a picky diner. The original recipe featured iceberg lettuce, salami, marinated chickpeas, and cheese, all finely chopped and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It quickly became La Scala’s signature dish, a must-order for regulars and first-timers alike.
Like any classic, the La Scala salad has evolved over time. Some say the recipe was tweaked to accommodate the dietary preferences of certain celebrities, adding to its mystique and allure.
The Classic La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
The La Scala chopped salad is all about fresh, simple ingredients and a tangy vinaigrette. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients for the Classic Salad
For the salad, you’ll need:
- Iceberg lettuce
- Italian salami
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garbanzo beans
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
The vinaigrette is easy to whisk together with:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. The “chopped” part is important! Finely chop the iceberg lettuce, salami, and mozzarella into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and emulsified. You want a nice, tangy flavor.
- Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, gently toss the chopped lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and garbanzo beans with the vinaigrette. Make sure everything is nicely coated.
- Finish and serve. Sprinkle the top of the salad with more Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, and add a pinch of salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Serve immediately and enjoy!
That’s it! A simple, refreshing, and flavorful salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Variations and Substitutions
The classic La Scala salad is delicious, but sometimes you need to mix things up or work with what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions.
Meat and Cheese Alternatives
Not a fan of salami? Try pepperoni, turkey, or another meat you enjoy. You can also switch up the cheese. Provolone or any of your favorite cheeses would work well in this salad.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Want a vegetarian La Scala Chopped Salad? Just leave out the salami! For an antipasto-style salad, add olives and artichoke hearts.
To make a vegan version:
- Swap the marinated chickpeas for crunchy roasted chickpeas.
- Make a vegan Parmesan cheese using pumpkin seeds.
- Choose your favorite vegan dressing.
Other Ingredient Additions
Feel free to add other veggies you love, such as red onion, Persian cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes. If you want to add more protein, try grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
The beauty of a chopped salad is that you can customize it to your liking, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Tips for making the perfect La Scala Chopped Salad
Want to make your salad worthy of a star sighting? Here are a few tips:
- Ingredient Prep: Chop all your ingredients into small, uniform pieces. This is a “chopped” salad, after all! Using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients will make a huge difference in the flavor.
- Dressing Techniques: The dressing is key, so adjust it to your taste. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out a bit.
- Texture is Everything: Make sure your ingredients are crisp and fresh. Nobody wants a soggy salad. If you’re not serving it right away, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Vegan Variation Tip: If you’re making a vegan version with crunchy chickpeas, air frying or oven roasting them will give you the best results. Keep a close eye on them to get them nice and crispy without burning!
With a little attention to detail, you can recreate the magic of La Scala right in your own kitchen.
Serving and storage
This salad is so good, you can serve it as a main course or a side. If you’re feeling ambitious, try serving it over a bed of white bean hummus for a little extra protein and flavor.
To store, put the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. But don’t dress it until you’re ready to serve. That way, it won’t get soggy.
The La Scala salad is also great for meal prep. Just keep all the ingredients separate until you’re ready to assemble it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a La Scala salad?
A classic La Scala salad typically features finely chopped iceberg lettuce, mozzarella cheese, chickpeas, and salami, all tossed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Some variations also include provolone cheese or different types of cured meats. The key is the fine chop and the vibrant dressing!
Why is La Scala salad famous?
The La Scala salad gained fame because it was a staple at the iconic La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, a favorite among celebrities and socialites. Its delicious taste and the restaurant’s glamorous reputation helped make it a culinary legend. It’s the kind of salad that just feels fancy, even though it’s surprisingly simple.
What is the famous salad at the Beverly Hills Hotel?
While the La Scala salad is associated with Beverly Hills, the Beverly Hills Hotel is known for its McCarthy Salad. This salad is a far more elaborate affair, featuring grilled chicken, beets, cheddar cheese, bacon, egg, tomatoes, avocado, and romaine lettuce, all chopped and tossed with a vinaigrette. It’s a serious salad!
What is Kim Kardashian’s favorite salad?
Kim Kardashian is famously a fan of the La Scala Chopped Salad. She’s been known to order it (or a version of it) frequently, further boosting its popularity and solidifying its status as a must-try dish. It’s a testament to how a simple salad can become a cultural icon.
Key Takeaways
The La Scala Chopped Salad is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying side. Its chopped format makes it easy to eat, and the combination of flavors is surprisingly addictive.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations. You can easily swap out different types of cheese, vegetables, or protein to customize the salad to your personal preferences.
This salad has been around for decades, and it’s not hard to see why it remains so popular. With its connection to a famous restaurant and its endlessly adaptable nature, the La Scala Chopped Salad is a true classic.