La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant, crisp, and colorful salad that brings together fresh vegetables, savory meats, and zesty cheese with a tangy Italian-style dressing. Originally inspired by classic Italian chopped salads, this version balances textures and flavors — crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, salty cheese, and savory pepperoni or salami all come together in every bite. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that works perfectly as a starter, a side, or even a light main course.
This chopped salad is especially appealing for its simplicity and versatility. With a mix of fresh produce, hearty toppings, and a bold vinaigrette, it can be prepared quickly and served for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or casual lunches. The combination of bright vegetables and rich accents makes this salad both healthy and flavorful, making it a staple whenever you want something fresh and satisfying.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad spinner (optional)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small jar or bowl for vinaigrette
- Whisk or fork
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce – 6 cups, chopped
- Red cabbage – 1 cup, shredded
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- English cucumber – 1, diced
- Red onion – ½ cup, thinly sliced
- Pepperoncini – ¼ cup, sliced
- Black olives – ½ cup, sliced
- Pepperoni or salami – 6 oz, sliced
- Provolone cheese – ½ cup, cubed
- Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, shaved
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
For the Italian Vinaigrette
- Extra-virgin olive oil – ⅓ cup
- Red wine vinegar – 3 tablespoons
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Honey or sugar – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic – 1 clove, minced
- Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and shredded red cabbage.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and pepperoncini.
- Stir in the sliced black olives, pepperoni or salami, and cubed provolone cheese.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well-combined.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Add shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley on top and give a final light toss.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Course: Salad / Side Dish
How to Store
Store any leftover salad components (without dressing) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the vinaigrette separately. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to maintain crisp texture.
What Not to Do
- Do not dress the salad too early; lettuce and vegetables can become soggy.
- Avoid cutting ingredients too finely — coarser pieces hold up better in a chopped salad.
- Do not use bottled dressing — fresh vinaigrette has the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Add chickpeas or cannellini beans for extra protein.
- Swap pepperoni for prosciutto or cooked chicken for different flair.
- Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra color and flavor.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~12 g
- Fat: ~18 g
- Carbohydrates: ~15 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
Famous Italian La Scala Chopped Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and shredded red cabbage.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and pepperoncini.
- Stir in the sliced black olives, pepperoni or salami, and cubed provolone cheese.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well-combined.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Add shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley on top and give a final light toss.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
- Protein: ~12 g
- Fat: ~18 g
- Carbohydrates: ~15 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
Conclusion
La Scala Chopped Salad is a lively, crunchy, and satisfying salad that brings together fresh vegetables, savory meats, bold cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a versatile dish that works as a light lunch, a side salad for dinner, or a colorful addition to gatherings — always refreshing and delicious.
FAQs
What lettuce works best?
Romaine is ideal for its crisp texture, but iceberg or mixed greens can also work.
Can I make the dressing ahead?
Yes — the vinaigrette can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days beforehand.
Is this salad vegetarian friendly?
Omit the pepperoni or salami and add extra cheese or beans for a vegetarian version.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
You can, but homemade vinaigrette offers brighter, fresher flavor.
How do I keep the salad crisp?
Toss with dressing just before serving and store components separately.
What pairs well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, crusty bread, or pasta dishes complement it beautifully.
