There’s something special about a salad that can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is just that — a vibrant, colorful dish that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor and freshness. My love for this salad dates back to my first visit to Los Angeles, where I discovered it at the iconic La Scala restaurant. The moment I took a bite, I was transported to a sun-soaked patio, surrounded by friends and laughter. Each ingredient felt carefully chosen, harmoniously coming together to create sheer perfection. Since then, this salad has become a staple in my home kitchen, a go-to recipe that never fails to impress family and friends.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Total Duration: 15 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 320
- Protein: 18 grams per serving (with chicken)
- Carbs: 14 grams per serving
- Fats: 23 grams per serving
- Fiber: 4 grams per serving
- Sugars: 2 grams per serving
- Sodium: 600 mg per serving
Why You’ll Love This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad has a way of making any meal feel like a celebration. Its zesty dressing and hearty ingredients bring a delightful crunch with every bite. You can customize it to your preference by adding grilled chicken, turkey, or even keeping it vegetarian — it’s versatile! Plus, it’s not just easy to make — it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those daily veggies while enjoying a delicious and filling dish. Every forkful is a delight, infused with the Mediterranean flair of Kalamata olives and the creaminess of feta cheese.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Preparing the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a straightforward and enjoyable experience! It’s a symphony of colors, crunch, and flavors that you won’t want to miss. In just a few simple steps, you can create something truly special.
Ingredients:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken or turkey (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Greens and Veggies
In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives. The vibrant colors will make you feel like you’re cooking in a sunlit Italian bistro!
Step 2: Add the Protein and Cheese (Optional)
If you’re looking to make this a more substantial meal, add the diced chicken or turkey along with the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. This adds a lovely heartiness that will keep you satisfied.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzling this zesty dressing over the salad is what brings everything to life!
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Take a moment to relish the vibrant colors and aroma. You’ll want to dive in right away!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Famous La Scala Chopped Salad! It’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This salad is fantastic on its own as a light lunch, but you can easily pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or some crusty bread for a well-rounded dinner. It also makes for a stellar side dish at barbecues or picnics — it adds a touch of class without any fuss!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the crunchiness of the salad.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
To chop efficiently, use a sharp knife and make sure all your ingredients are of equal size. This not only ensures a beautiful presentation but also allows for even flavors as you enjoy each bite. If you’re short on time, pre-chopped veggies from the grocery store can save you some prep work!
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts for a crunchy texture, switch the feta for goat cheese, or even throw in some fruits like apples or berries for a sweet twist. There’s no wrong way to make this salad your own!
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the chopped veggies in the refrigerator but keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness. - What if I don’t have feta cheese?
You can substitute with any other type of cheese such as goat cheese or even skip it for a dairy-free option. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add avocados, radishes, or any seasonal veggies you have on hand. - How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken or turkey. The salad is packed with flavor as-is! - What if I want to make it low-carb?
Skip the olives and cucumbers or reduce the quantity of the starchy veggies, and it will still be delicious!
Wrapping Up
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is such a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your meals. This recipe is not only simple but also adaptable — the possibilities are endless! I encourage you to try it out and let your creativity shine. Celebrate the flavors and colors of fresh produce and make this salad a part of your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful salad that combines fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken or turkey (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- If desired, add the diced chicken or turkey along with the crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the dressing separate until ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
