La Scala Chopped Salad

If you’ve ever wondered what salad the Hollywood elite can’t get enough of, look no further than the La Scala Chopped Salad. This iconic dish has roots in Beverly Hills and has become more than just a menu item—it’s a cultural staple. Known for its finely chopped ingredients, zesty vinaigrette, and irresistible balance of flavors, it’s no surprise that this salad continues to trend across social media and foodie blogs.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the La Scala Chopped Salad, including its origin, ingredients, how to make it, healthy variations, and much more. Whether you’re a home cook looking for a new favorite recipe or a salad lover trying to recreate restaurant magic, this guide has you covered.

Check out one of our delicious wraps that pairs perfectly with salads like this: Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

PART 1: History and Origin of the La Scala Chopped Salad

The Birthplace: La Scala Beverly Hills

The La Scala Chopped Salad was born in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, at the famous La Scala restaurant founded by Jean Leon in the 1950s. The restaurant quickly became a hotspot for movie stars, politicians, and socialites. While the menu featured a variety of Italian dishes, it was this humble chopped salad that took center stage.

Jean Leon created the salad to serve customers who wanted a light, satisfying meal that didn’t require much cutting or fuss. So, he began chopping the ingredients into small, uniform pieces, making the dish not only easier to eat but more flavorful with every bite. The innovation stuck, and soon the salad became the restaurant’s trademark item.

How the Salad Became a Celebrity Favorite

Over the years, the La Scala Chopped Salad became a cult favorite among celebrities. Rumor has it that Marilyn Monroe, Jennifer Aniston, and Leonardo DiCaprio have all had it at some point. What made it stand out wasn’t just the fresh ingredients, but the texture and consistency that came from precise chopping. Every bite was layered with salami, cheese, lettuce, and that zingy vinaigrette that pulls everything together.

Its reputation only grew as food bloggers and influencers caught wind of it. Social media helped the salad go viral again in the 2020s, bringing this classic dish into home kitchens around the world. Discover great ideas like our Feta and Cranberry Chickpeas if you’re looking for protein-packed sides that complement this dish beautifully.

PART 2: Key Ingredients in La Scala Chopped Salad

Signature Ingredients That Make It Unique

At first glance, the La Scala Chopped Salad may seem like your standard deli salad—but don’t let its simplicity fool you. Every ingredient is chosen with precision to create a blend that’s both balanced and bold. Here’s what typically goes into this Hollywood-famous salad:

Ingredient	Purpose
Iceberg Lettuce	Crisp base with mild flavor
Romaine Lettuce	Adds extra crunch and slight bitterness
Salami (Genoa or Hard)	Provides richness, protein, and saltiness
Mozzarella Cheese	Creamy texture that balances the vinaigrette
Garbanzo Beans	Earthy, protein-rich legume for texture
La Scala Vinaigrette	Tangy, slightly sweet dressing with mustard

The chopping technique plays a key role—ingredients are diced into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring that each forkful delivers the full medley of flavors.

The real star, however, is the vinaigrette—a lemony, mustard-forward dressing that binds the ingredients together without overpowering them. This isn’t just a topping—it’s the flavor core of the entire salad.

Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

Whether you’re vegetarian, low-carb, or dairy-free, the La Scala Chopped Salad can be easily adapted to suit your lifestyle. Here are some common variations and smart swaps:

Diet Type	Substitute Suggestions
Vegetarian	Skip the salami or replace with plant-based deli slices
Vegan	Use vegan cheese and omit the honey in vinaigrette
Dairy-Free	Choose dairy-free mozzarella alternatives
Low-Carb/Keto	Remove chickpeas and go heavy on leafy greens and proteins
Gluten-Free	Naturally gluten-free; just check labels on store-bought items

Many home chefs enjoy customizing their salad with additions like chopped cucumbers, pepperoncini, or even roasted red peppers. But to stay true to the original, stick to the basics: crisp lettuce, creamy cheese, and flavorful salami.

Don’t miss our twist on fresh flavors with this bold Garlic Sauce for Pizza—perfect to drizzle on a protein-packed salad bowl!

PART 3: How to Make the Classic La Scala Chopped Salad

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making the La Scala Chopped Salad at home is easier than you think—and the results are just as satisfying as dining in Beverly Hills. Here’s your no-fuss guide to assembling the ultimate chopped salad.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
• 1 heart of romaine, finely chopped
• 1 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• ¾ cup salami, finely diced
• ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the La Scala Vinaigrette

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Prep the Base: Start by thoroughly washing and drying the iceberg and romaine lettuces. Use a sharp knife to chop the leaves into small, even pieces. The smaller the chop, the better the texture.
2. Add the Fillers: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced salami, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan if using.
3. Make the Dressing: In a jar or bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing emulsifies.
4. Toss to Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything well to ensure each bite is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
5. Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the lettuce crisp and vibrant.

Looking for a lighter protein pairing? Try these Broccoli Cheese Patties—they make a great side or topping for your salad.

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Tips for Perfect Chopping and Mixing

The essence of a La Scala Chopped Salad lies in the cut. Here’s how to master it:

• Use a chef’s knife, not a serrated one, for cleaner, more even cuts.
• Uniformly chop all ingredients so each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
• If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
• Chill the salad bowl before tossing for an extra refreshing crunch.

Want to impress your guests? Serve it in a shallow platter instead of a deep bowl. This keeps the ingredients layered and colorful—perfect for presentation.

PART 4: Dressing Breakdown – The Secret Sauce

What’s in the Famous La Scala Vinaigrette

What truly elevates the La Scala Chopped Salad from just another chopped salad is its vinaigrette dressing—a perfectly balanced, tangy-sweet blend that clings to every bite-sized piece of lettuce, salami, and mozzarella. Unlike creamy dressings, this one is light yet bold, allowing the ingredients to shine without overpowering them.

Here are the core ingredients of the signature vinaigrette:

Ingredient	Purpose in Flavor Profile
Red Wine Vinegar	Provides acidity and brightness
Dijon Mustard	Adds sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing
Honey (or Sugar)	Balances the acidity with subtle sweetness
Dried Oregano	Offers earthy, Mediterranean depth
Olive Oil	Rounds out the flavor with richness
Salt & Black Pepper	Enhances and balances all the ingredients

Unlike ranch or Caesar dressings, this vinaigrette has no mayo, dairy, or eggs, making it naturally dairy-free and gluten-free (depending on your mustard and vinegar source). It’s elegant, clean, and effortless—just like the salad it was made for.

How to Make It at Home

Making the La Scala dressing at home only takes a few minutes. Here’s how:

Quick-Blend Method:

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
   • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
   • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
   • 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar for a sharper finish)
   • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2. Slowly drizzle in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil, whisking continuously to emulsify the mixture. Shake vigorously if using a jar with a lid.
3. Taste and adjust to your liking—add more honey for sweetness or mustard for extra tang.

Storage Tip: Keep leftovers refrigerated in a tightly sealed jar. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but always shake before each use.

Want a flavorful twist? A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red chili flakes can add brightness or heat without straying far from the classic.

Don’t miss our unique twist on fruity sauces like this Strawberry Rhubarb Jam—surprisingly versatile even in savory dishes like salad marinades or vinaigrettes.

PART 5: Nutritional Value of La Scala Chopped Salad

Calories, Macronutrients, and Vitamins

The La Scala Chopped Salad may be known for its celebrity appeal, but it also delivers a solid nutritional punch. While not exactly diet food, it balances protein, fiber, and healthy fats—all in one bowl.

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 ½ cups with dressing):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	375–450 kcal
Protein	15–20g
Total Fat	28–32g
Saturated Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	14–18g
Fiber	4–5g
Sugar (natural)	2–3g
Sodium	900–1200mg
Vitamin C	15–18% DV
Calcium	20% DV
Iron	12% DV

Much of the caloric content comes from the olive oil-based vinaigrette and the cheese and salami, which are also rich in saturated fats and sodium. However, the inclusion of lettuce, chickpeas, and vinegar offers fiber, micronutrients, and antioxidants.

For those watching their sodium or fat intake, modifications are easy to make (see below).

Making It Healthier Without Losing Flavor

You don’t have to ditch the La Scala salad to stick to a healthier meal plan. A few small tweaks can turn this indulgent salad into a nutrient-dense option:

Health Goal	Smart Tweaks
Lower Calories	Use less dressing or swap half of it for lemon juice
Reduce Fat	Cut back on salami and cheese or use reduced-fat versions
Low Sodium	Choose low-sodium beans and cheese
Boost Fiber	Add cucumbers, kale, or shredded carrots
Add Protein	Include grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs
Dairy-Free	Replace cheese with avocado or vegan mozzarella

You’ll still retain the essence of the classic salad while boosting its nutrition and keeping things aligned with your dietary needs.

Want to try something nutrient-dense and rich in earthy flavors? Check out our Feta and Cranberry Chickpeas for a wholesome protein-packed side dish that complements the La Scala salad beautifully.