La Scala Salad Recipe: Ever heard of the salad that stole the spotlight from every fancy dish on the menu? Welcome to the legendary La Scala Salad, a cult-favorite creation that originated from the iconic La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills. Loved by celebrities and foodies alike, this chopped salad is famous for its perfect balance of salty, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped in a crunchy, fresh texture.
This isn’t your everyday salad. It’s got personality. It’s bold, it’s crave-worthy, and it’s surprisingly simple to make at home with a few high-quality ingredients. If you’re tired of bland greens and forgettable dressings, you’re about to find your new go-to recipe.
Let’s dive into how you can recreate this iconic salad step-by-step in your own kitchen. But first—let’s check out everything you’ll need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic of La Scala Salad: it’s simple, but every ingredient plays a star role. Below is a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make both the salad and its famous dressing.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Iceberg Lettuce (chopped) | 1 large head |
| Salami (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Garbanzo Beans (chickpeas) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Olive Oil | ⅓ cup |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tsp |
| Garlic (minced or crushed) | 1 clove |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
Simple, right? Yet when combined, these ingredients create one of the most iconic salads ever served.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Chopped Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg is the crisp king of lettuce. Its refreshing crunch is the backbone of La Scala Salad. Unlike mixed greens, iceberg holds up against the bold dressing and heavier toppings like salami and chickpeas. Chop it finely to get that signature bite in every forkful.
Finely Shredded Salami
This is where the magic begins. The original La Scala Salad uses Italian salami, chopped super fine so it blends perfectly with the other ingredients. Think of it as a flavor booster, not a dominant ingredient. You want that salty, savory kick without overpowering the rest of the salad.
Marinated Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
Don’t just dump them in straight from the can—marinate those bad boys. Letting them soak in a bit of the dressing before assembling the salad adds a tangy, savory note that takes things up a notch. They add protein, texture, and a slightly nutty flavor.
Parmesan Cheese
Go for a good-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano if you can. Its nutty, salty flavor complements the other ingredients and brings the whole salad together. Grate it fresh—it makes all the difference.
Homemade La Scala Dressing
Forget store-bought. This homemade dressing is tangy, creamy, and zippy all at once. Made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, and garlic, it’s the soul of this salad.
Optional Add-ins to Elevate the Flavor
Want to take your La Scala Salad to the next level? Try mixing in these optional ingredients:
- Grilled Chicken – Adds more protein for a hearty meal.
- Avocados – Creamy contrast to the crisp lettuce and tangy dressing.
- Red Onions – For a touch of sharpness. Slice them super thin.
- Croutons – A crunch-lover’s dream addition.
These aren’t traditional but they totally work. Customize it to suit your taste!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a professional kitchen setup, but these tools will make your life a whole lot easier:
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – For chopping the lettuce and salami finely
- Salad Spinner – Keep that lettuce super dry for max crunch
- Mixing Bowls – One for the salad, one for the dressing
- Whisk or Mason Jar – To mix your dressing until it emulsifies perfectly
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Because precision matters when it comes to flavor
Step-by-Step Guide to Making La Scala Salad
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to build the perfect La Scala Salad from scratch:
Step 1: Prep Your Lettuce
Wash and dry your iceberg lettuce thoroughly. Use a salad spinner to remove as much water as possible. Chop it finely—think small bite-sized pieces, not big leaves.
Step 2: Finely Chop the Salami
Use a sharp knife to dice the salami into tiny pieces. You want it to mix evenly throughout the salad, not sit on top like a topping.
Step 3: Marinate the Chickpeas
Drain and rinse your chickpeas. Toss them in a few tablespoons of your prepared dressing and let them sit while you prep everything else. This step infuses them with extra flavor.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing emulsifies—aka, turns creamy and smooth. You can also shake it in a sealed mason jar.
Step 5: Toss It All Together
In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, marinated chickpeas, chopped salami, and parmesan cheese. Pour in your dressing and toss well to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste a bite and adjust the salt, pepper, or cheese to your liking. Some like it tangier; others want more cheese. Make it yours!
La Scala Dressing: A Flavor Bomb
The real secret to the La Scala Salad’s fame? It’s all in the dressing. This isn’t your typical vinaigrette. It’s got bold flavor, the right balance of acidity, and a silky texture that clings to every bit of lettuce, bean, and salami. Here’s how you perfect it:
Dressing Ingredients & Ratios
- ⅓ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Rich, smooth base
- 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar – For that perfect tang
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard – Adds sharpness and helps emulsify
- 1 clove Garlic (minced or pressed) – For that punch
- Salt and Pepper – To taste
How to Make It
- In a mixing bowl, add the vinegar, mustard, and garlic first.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking rapidly. This helps the dressing emulsify.
- Season with salt and pepper. Give it a taste—it should be zesty but balanced.
Pro Tips
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before using. This helps the garlic mellow out.
- Double the batch and store it in a mason jar in the fridge—it’ll last up to 5 days.
The dressing really brings everything together, so don’t skip or substitute here unless you absolutely need to.
Tips for the Perfect La Scala Salad
Nailing the La Scala Salad is all about technique and balance. Here are some essential tips that’ll take your salad from “pretty good” to “absolutely amazing.”
1. Dry That Lettuce!
Wet lettuce ruins everything. It waters down the dressing and messes with the crunch. Use a salad spinner and even blot it with paper towels if needed.
2. Chop It All Fine
This is a chopped salad, after all. The magic lies in the bite-size uniformity. Every forkful should include a little lettuce, salami, bean, and cheese.
3. Marinate the Chickpeas
Let them soak up some of the dressing before tossing them into the salad. This gives them flavor and makes them a real part of the salad—not just something thrown on top.
4. Don’t Overdress
Start with a little dressing, toss, then add more if needed. Overdressing leads to a soggy mess and masks the delicious balance of ingredients.
5. Add Cheese Last
Add Parmesan right before serving so it doesn’t clump or disappear into the dressing. Freshly grated works best.
Health Benefits of La Scala Salad
Don’t be fooled by the indulgent taste—La Scala Salad is surprisingly healthy when made right. It’s got a great combo of protein, healthy fats, and fiber that’ll leave you full and satisfied.
Protein-Packed
With salami, chickpeas, and cheese, this salad is a solid source of protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
High in Fiber
Chickpeas add bulk and fiber, which are essential for good digestion and blood sugar control.
Low in Carbs (if you want it to be)
If you skip the beans or salami, it’s even lower in carbs—perfect for keto or low-carb eaters.
Vitamins & Antioxidants
Iceberg lettuce, though not as nutrient-dense as dark greens, still offers hydration and small amounts of vitamins like K and A. Add in optional ingredients like avocado or red onion, and you boost the nutrient count even more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making La Scala Salad might seem straightforward, but there are a few common slip-ups that can mess with the magic. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Using Wet Lettuce
Again, we can’t stress this enough—dry your lettuce thoroughly. Wet lettuce equals watery dressing and soggy texture.
2. Skipping the Chickpea Marination
Straight-from-the-can chickpeas are bland. Marinating them in the dressing gives them character and flavor.
3. Overloading on Cheese or Salami
Yes, both are delicious—but too much and you’ll throw off the balance. This salad is about equal parts of everything, so stick to the recommended ratios.
4. Using Store-Bought Dressing
The dressing is what makes this salad iconic. Bottled dressing just can’t compare to the homemade version with fresh garlic and tangy vinegar.
5. Not Tossing Properly
Don’t just layer the ingredients—toss everything in a big bowl so every bite is packed with flavor.
La Scala Salad for Meal Prep
Want to enjoy this salad all week long? Good news—it’s meal-prep friendly if you store it right.
How to Store Each Component
- Lettuce: Store washed and chopped lettuce in a paper towel-lined container. This absorbs moisture and keeps it crisp.
- Dressing: Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge. Shake before using.
- Chickpeas: Marinate and store separately.
- Salami and Cheese: Store in airtight containers.
Assemble Just Before Eating
To keep it fresh and crunchy, don’t toss the salad with dressing until you’re ready to eat. Otherwise, the lettuce will wilt.
Best Containers
Use compartmentalized meal prep containers so ingredients stay separate until you’re ready to mix.
Serving Suggestions
This salad works in all kinds of settings—from a light lunch to a side dish at dinner parties.
Best Occasions to Serve La Scala Salad
- Casual family lunches
- Dinner parties or potlucks
- Side dish for grilled meats
- Light dinner with wine
Great Pairings
- Main Dish: Grilled chicken, steak, or roasted salmon
- Sides: Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly with the salad’s tangy dressing
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How to Customize for Different Diets
One of the best things about La Scala Salad is how easy it is to tweak for different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re eating low-carb, avoiding meat, or staying gluten-free, there’s a version of this salad for you.
Keto-Friendly La Scala Salad
Want to go low-carb or keto? This salad is already pretty close to perfect:
- Skip the chickpeas (they’re high in carbs).
- Add more salami or grilled chicken for protein.
- Use extra Parmesan and even add sliced avocados for healthy fats.
This version keeps you in ketosis while still being totally satisfying.
Vegan or Vegetarian Versions
To make the salad vegetarian:
- Leave out the salami
- Add plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas
- Make sure your Parmesan is rennet-free (or use a vegan cheese alternative)
For a full vegan version:
- Skip both cheese and salami
- Use a vegan cheese alternative
- Swap the honey mustard (if using) with Dijon mustard only
- Add extras like roasted vegetables or marinated tofu
Gluten-Free Option
Good news—this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you:
- Use a certified gluten-free salami (some processed meats can contain hidden gluten)
- Check your mustard and vinegar labels to ensure they’re gluten-free
Whether you’re watching carbs, cutting out meat, or avoiding gluten, La Scala Salad is flexible and easy to adapt.
FAQs about La Scala Salad Recipe
1. Can I use canned chickpeas?
Absolutely. Canned chickpeas are actually the preferred choice for convenience. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well, then marinate them in the dressing for 10–15 minutes to boost the flavor.
2. How long does La Scala Salad last?
Once dressed, the salad is best eaten immediately to preserve the crunch. However, the undressed components can last 3–5 days in the fridge when stored separately in airtight containers.
3. Is it okay to skip the salami?
Yes, you can totally skip the salami if you’re vegetarian or just not a fan. You could replace it with grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or extra cheese for added protein and texture.
4. What’s the best cheese substitute for Parmesan?
If you’re avoiding dairy or just want to try something different, go for:
- Nutritional yeast (for a cheesy, nutty flavor)
- Vegan Parmesan made from cashews or almonds
- Asiago or Pecorino Romano if you want a dairy cheese that’s similar
5. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Definitely. You can make the La Scala dressing up to 5 days ahead. Just store it in a mason jar or sealed container in the fridge. Shake well before using, as separation is natural.
Conclusion
La Scala Salad might seem simple on the surface, but the flavors and textures it brings to the table are next-level. It’s no wonder it became a Hollywood favorite and continues to pop up in kitchens across the country. The combination of finely chopped crisp lettuce, salty salami, marinated chickpeas, nutty Parmesan, and that zingy homemade dressing is truly unbeatable.
Whether you’re prepping for a dinner party or just trying to spice up your weekday lunch, this salad delivers. Plus, it’s customizable for almost any diet, stores well, and can be prepped ahead for busy schedules. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.
So grab your ingredients, whip up that dressing, and get ready to impress yourself—and maybe your friends too—with a salad that’s anything but boring.
