Step into the glamour of old Hollywood right in your kitchen with this legendary La Scala Chopped Salad recipe. For over seven decades, this iconic dish has been a staple at the renowned La Scala Restaurant in Beverly Hills, first gracing its menu in the 1950s under the original owner, the visionary Chef Jean Leon.

From the moment of its creation, the La Scala Salad quickly captivated the palates of a discerning clientele, including a parade of famous celebrities like the Kardashians, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the timeless Elizabeth Taylor. Its enduring appeal lies in its perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it more than just a salad – it’s a piece of culinary history.

This exquisite Italian chopped salad is characterized by a crisp, refreshing blend of lettuce, expertly tossed with a delightful mix of savory ingredients. Think salty salami, creamy mozzarella, earthy garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, all brought together by a wonderfully tangy, signature dressing.

My journey with this recipe began when it took social media by storm, its vibrant colors and rich history immediately catching my eye. I knew I had to experience it for myself! The original recipe, a true culinary treasure, was graciously shared with the LA Times and published in 1989 alongside other legendary Los Angeles dishes. After numerous test runs and valuable feedback from my (brutally honest!) family taste testers, I’ve made a few minor enhancements to the salad, though the soul of the dish – its iconic Leon Dressing – remains perfectly true to Chef Jean Leon’s original creation. Beyond the addition of some sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and fresh basil, this Italian-inspired salad recipe stands as it has for over 50 years: a testament to timeless flavor and simple elegance!

For a fantastic twist, be sure to explore my new variation: La Scala bean salad – it’s an ideal choice for easy meal prep lunches or versatile side dishes throughout your week.

Step one: Prepare the Lettuce. Take one head each of romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce. Finely chop them into small, uniform pieces (aim for about 1-inch squares for the best “chopped” experience). Wash the chopped lettuce thoroughly and dry it well using a salad spinner to remove any excess moisture. Transfer the crisp, dry lettuce into a very large bowl and toss it gently to combine both types.

Step two: Add the Toppings. Evenly distribute your chopped salami, the drained and rinsed garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and the shredded mozzarella cheese over the prepared lettuce. This is also the perfect time to incorporate any of the recommended optional toppings: chopped artichoke hearts, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil for an extra layer of flavor.

Step three: Initial Toss. Using a large pair of tongs, gently but thoroughly toss all the salad ingredients together in the bowl. Ensure that the salami, chickpeas, and mozzarella are well distributed amongst the lettuce. Set the salad aside while you prepare the dressing.

Step four: Make the Dressing. In a separate small bowl or a glass mason jar with a lid, combine all the ingredients for the famous Leon Dressing: olive oil, white wine vinegar, mustard powder (or Dijon), salt, pepper, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk vigorously or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is emulsified. This ensures every component is perfectly blended.

Step five: Dress the Salad. Just before serving, pour the freshly prepared Leon Dressing generously over the entire salad. The timing is key here to maintain the lettuce’s crispness.

Step six: Final Toss and Serve. Using your tongs, toss the salad thoroughly once more. Continue tossing until every piece of lettuce and every ingredient has been lightly and evenly coated with the delicious dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and flavor, or refrigerate it for a delightful later use!

Pro Tips for the Best La Scala Chopped Salad

• Master the Chop: The key to a true chopped salad is uniform, small pieces. I aim for about 1-inch pieces or smaller for all ingredients. To achieve this with lettuce, divide the heads into halves or quarters, make multiple lengthwise cuts about 1 inch apart, then chop crosswise into 1-inch pieces. This ensures every bite is perfect.
• Dry Your Greens: A salad spinner is your best friend here. Excess water on your lettuce will dilute the dressing and make your salad soggy. Dry it thoroughly for the best result.
• Thicker Salami, Better Bite: As mentioned in the ingredients, slicing your own salami from a larger piece yields thicker, more satisfying chunks that really stand out in the salad.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To maintain the crispness of the lettuce and prevent sogginess, always add the dressing right before you’re ready to serve.
• Room Temperature Dressing: If your dressing has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 10-30 minutes and give it a good shake or whisk before using. This helps the olive oil re-liquefy and ensures a perfectly emulsified, pourable dressing.

Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness

One of the great advantages of a robust chopped salad like the La Scala is its ability to hold up well. This salad can be stored effectively for at least 24 hours and will remain delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though quality may slightly diminish over time. For the absolute best results and to preserve the crisp texture of your greens, always reserve the dressing and store it separately until you are ready to serve.

​Refrigerated Dressing Revival: It’s common for olive oil-based dressings to solidify in the refrigerator. To bring your chilled dressing back to its perfect pourable consistency, simply allow it to rest at room temperature for 10-30 minutes. Once it has softened, give it a good shake or whisk before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Meal Prep Made Easy

The La Scala Chopped Salad is an excellent candidate for weekly meal prep, staying fresh and enjoyable for 1-3 days in the refrigerator. The golden rule for meal prepping this salad is to always store the dressing separately from the main salad components. This simple step is crucial for keeping your lettuce and other ingredients wonderfully crisp and preventing them from becoming soggy.

When you’re ready to enjoy your prepped salad, simply add the desired amount of dressing, toss everything together until well coated, and savor a fresh, flavorful meal without the fuss!

Customizing Your La Scala Chopped Salad: Substitutions & Add-Ins

While the classic La Scala Salad is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile and open to customization. Whether you’re adapting to dietary needs or simply want to explore new flavor combinations, here are some fantastic ideas for substitutions and creative add-ins:

• Salami Alternatives: At the original La Scala restaurant, you can easily substitute the salami with finely chopped deli ham or turkey for a leaner option. For those seeking different protein sources, tuna (flaked and drained) or chopped hard-boiled eggs make equally delicious and satisfying additions, providing a pleasant textural contrast.
• Vinegar Varieties: The recipe calls for white wine vinegar, known for its subtle and delicate flavor profile. If you don’t have it on hand, red wine vinegar is an excellent alternative, offering a slightly stronger but still mild and complementary taste. Avoid plain white vinegar, as its acidity can be too harsh for this delicate dressing.
• Mustard Options: Chef Jean Leon’s secret ingredient is dry mustard powder, which provides a distinct, nuanced kick. While highly recommended for authenticity, if you’re in a pinch, a good quality Dijon mustard can be seamlessly swapped in for a similar emulsifying effect and a slightly milder, creamy mustard flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese Swaps: Finely grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth to the dressing. For equally delicious results, feel free to substitute with Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharper, saltier kick, or Grana Padano for a slightly milder, nutty flavor.

Ideas for Exciting Add-Ins

While my personal favorites for optional add-ins are the sweet sun-dried tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, and aromatic fresh basil, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are a few more suggestions to make your La Scala Salad uniquely yours:

• Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Red Onion: A touch of sharp flavor and crispness (consider a quick soak in cold water to mellow its bite).
• Cucumber: For an extra layer of cool, refreshing hydration.
• Pepperoni: If you love a spicier kick and more robust cured meat flavor.
• Olives: Kalamata or green olives bring a briny, savory note.
• Pomegranate Seeds: For a burst of jewel-toned sweetness and tartness (especially great in autumn).
• Fresh Tomatoes: Quartered cherry tomatoes or diced ripe Roma tomatoes can be a delightful, juicy addition.
• Sliced Chicken Breast: Grilled or rotisserie chicken can turn this side salad into a hearty main course.