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Fresh and flavorful, La Scala Salad is a copycat recipe of the famous Italian chopped salad served at La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills. Rumor has it, Kim Kardashian orders this salad often, and for good reason! It’s packed with delicious ingredients and crunchy texture, thanks to the chickpeas, salami, mozzarella cheese, and a zesty red wine vinaigrette.
Why is it called Kardashian Salad?
Surprisingly enough, this viral recipe has actually been around since the 1950s. Jean Leon, the owner of La Scala, a Beverly Hills restaurant, invented it. Supposedly, the Kardashians and other celebrities often visit La Scala to enjoy the delicious Italian-chopped salad. Now that they’ve put their name on it, it’s gone viral! Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so popular!
Kim K knows what’s up! If she says the La Scala salad is good, everyone believes it! I had to make a copycat recipe since I won’t be going to Beverly Hills anytime soon. Oh, and you’ll want to make this incredible focaccia bread to eat with the salad—it pairs perfectly!
Ingredients in La Scala Salad
The list of ingredients in this La Scala Salad recipe is super enticing. From the fresh veggies to the slightly spicy salami and delicious dressing, they are all so tasty. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.
The Salad
- Lettuce: For a wonderful color and crunchy texture, mix chopped romaine lettuce with chopped iceberg lettuce.
- Chickpeas: Mix drained and rinsed chickpeas (garbanzo beans) in for extra protein and heartiness.
- Italian Salami: The addition of salty meat makes this salad so special. The savory, spicy flavor is a tasty contrast to the fresh, crisp lettuce and tangy dressing.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The perfect finishing touch!
- Red Onion: Slice thin so your salad has just enough sweet and slightly pungent flavor.
Dressing Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Use a mild oil that pairs well with the vinegar and spice. Olive oil is always my go-to with salads!
- Red Wine Vinegar: So the dressing has a nice zip and tanginess!
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of spice and savory flavor to the La Scala salad. It also binds to the oil and vinegar to keep the vinaigrette mixed.
- Kosher Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: To bring out all of the delicious flavors.
- Grated Romano or Parmesan Cheese: Adds delicious cheesiness!
- Red Pepper Flakes: (Optional) Add for a little extra spice.
How to Make La Scala Salad
Super quick and easy, this famous salad recipe is perfect for both a side dish and a main course. Not only can you whip it up in no time, but it is also guaranteed to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture. Furthermore, whether you’re serving it at a casual meal or a special occasion, this salad will undoubtedly be a hit!
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and grated Romano cheese. Whisk until combined.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce, chickpeas, salami, red onion, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and then gently toss to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Top La Scala salad with additional Romano cheese and red pepper flakes. Then serve immediately and enjoy!
La Scala Salad Variations to Try
Here are some ways to customize this famous La Scala Chopped Salad using ingredients you already have on hand. Additionally, these options allow you to tailor the salad to your taste while making the most of what’s in your pantry.
- More Protein Options: Add more protein to make this salad a meal. Try grilled chicken breast, steak, salmon, or pepperoni.
- Make it Vegetarian: Leave out the salami and add more veggies to make this a vegetarian-friendly salad.
- Add More Veggies: This salad would be delicious with artichoke hearts, sliced bell peppers, tomatoes, or cucumbers. The sky is the limit!
- Switch up the Cheese: Use parmesan cheese in place of Romano cheese. Pepper Jack cheese would also be so tasty! You can use any cheese your heart desires.
Serve Right Away
Serve this incredible La Scala salad immediately for the best results! The dressing makes the lettuce soggy the longer it sits, so pouring the dressing on the salad ahead of time isn’t recommended. Pour and toss in the dressing right before serving and enjoy!
More Fresh & Delicious Salad Recipes
I love making salads that can double as a meal. It makes sense why Kim K orders this salad all of the time, it’s fresh, flavorful and hearty! Here are a few more salad recipes you can make into a meal.
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La Scala Chopped Salad (Kardashian Salad)
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 15 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 6 ounces Italian salami, sliced or chopped
- 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Romano or parmesan cheese
- red pepper flakes, to taste, optional
Instructions
- To make the dressing add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and grated Romano cheese in a medium bowl. Whisk together until combined.
- In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce, chickpeas, salami, red onion, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine.
- Top with additional Romano cheese and red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
