This Easy La Scala Chopped Salad is fresh and full of flavor! With crunchy veggies, cheese, and a tasty dressing, it’s like a party in a bowl.
Who knew a salad could be this fun? It’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish. I often make extra so I can enjoy it for a snack later—because let’s face it, veggies can be delightful! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This is the star green, offering crispness and a nice crunch. If you’re in a pinch, you can use green leaf or even baby spinach for a different texture.
Salami: Traditional salami adds great flavor, but you could substitute with pepperoni, ham, or turkey if you prefer a lighter option or need a different taste.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is mild and creamy, while Parmesan adds a salty bite. If you’re dairy-free, try cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for a tasty alternative.
Chickpeas: These add protein and heartiness to the salad. You can swap them for black beans or kidney beans if you want to mix things up.
Italian Dressing: This brings the salad together with zesty flavors. For a healthier twist, make your own with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs!
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Well Mixed?
Tossing your salad properly ensures every bite is flavorful! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with the greens in your bowl. Use tongs or two large spoons for ease.
- Layer in the other ingredients gently on top without stirring first.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top but don’t add too much at once. You can always add more later!
- To toss, lift from underneath and turn the salad over rather than stirring too hard. This keeps everything intact!
- After mixing, taste and add more dressing or seasoning if needed.
Following these steps will help keep your salad looking fresh and your flavors balanced!
Easy La Scala Chopped Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup salami, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare! It’s quick and easy, making it a great choice for a busy weeknight or a last-minute gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Greens:
Start by finely chopping 4 cups of romaine lettuce and shredding 1 cup of iceberg lettuce. Toss them together in a large salad bowl. This mix adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor to your salad!
2. Add The Tasty Ingredients:
Next, add in the 1/2 cup of thinly sliced salami, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of rinsed chickpeas. These ingredients provide protein and delicious flavor!
3. Dress It Up!
Drizzle 1/4 cup of Italian dressing over all the ingredients in the bowl. You can always add more to taste if needed, so start with a little and adjust as you go!
4. Toss It Together:
Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with dressing. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
Finally, season your salad with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle toss, and it’s ready to serve!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your salad immediately for the freshest taste. It makes a wonderful side dish or a light meal on its own. Enjoy the tasty blend of crisp greens, savory meats, and rich cheeses!
This Easy La Scala Chopped Salad is a fantastic way to incorporate vibrant veggies and fantastic flavors into your meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine and iceberg are traditional, you can use other varieties like green leaf, butter lettuce, or even baby spinach for a different flavor and texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Simply omit the salami and consider adding more chickpeas or extra veggies, like bell peppers or cucumbers, for added crunch. You can also toss in some nuts or seeds for protein!
What If I Don’t Have Italian Dressing?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade dressing using olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to your liking, and you’ll have a tasty alternative!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the salad’s freshness and crunch!
