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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
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The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, fresh mozzarella, and savory salami or prosciutto, all tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad is easy to customize, nutritious, and quick to prepare with a delicious balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Greens

  • Romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped – about 4 cups
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved – 1 cup
  • Cucumber, thinly sliced – 1 medium
  • Red onion, thinly sliced – ½ small
  • Kalamata olives, pitted – ½ cup
  • Fresh basil leaves – a handful, for garnish

Protein and Cheese

  • Fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes – 8 oz
  • Salami or prosciutto, thinly sliced into strips – 4 oz

Dressing

  • Olive oil – ⅓ cup
  • Red wine vinegar – 3 tbsp
  • Minced garlic – 1 clove
  • Dried oregano – 1 tsp
  • Salt – ½ tsp
  • Black pepper – ¼ tsp
  • Pinch of sugar – ⅛ tsp

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the cucumber and red onion thinly to ensure every forkful is packed with flavor.
  2. Chop the Meats and Cheese: Cut the salami or prosciutto into small strips, and slice the fresh mozzarella into cubes. This makes sure the salad has balanced bites of savory and creamy.
  3. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, meats, and cheese for an even distribution of colors and tastes.
  4. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to create the classic Italian vinaigrette that dresses the salad beautifully.
  5. Toss and Garnish: Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat everything well. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a fragrant pop.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce to avoid wilted greens and maintain great texture.
  • Chop all ingredients uniformly to ensure balanced bites throughout the salad.
  • Add salty olives and sweet tomatoes last to preserve their distinct flavors.
  • Dress lightly to keep the salad vibrant and prevent sogginess.
  • If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: La Scala Chopped Salad, chopped salad, Italian salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad, easy summer salad

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/famous-la-scala-chopped-salad-recipe/