Welcome to a culinary journey inspired by the legendary La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills! This delightful recipe for La Scala Bean Salad takes all the vibrant flavors of their famous Italian chopped salad and reimagines them into a hearty, satisfying bean-based dish. Forget the typical green salads; this version is packed with fiber-rich garbanzo beans (chickpeas), savory salami, creamy bite-sized mozzarella, and a signature tangy homemade dressing that ties it all together beautifully. It’s not just incredibly delicious, but also fantastic for meal prep, holding its freshness and flavor for days in the fridge.

Last year, I shared my rendition of the iconic La Scala chopped salad, a recipe beloved by many for its unique blend of textures and flavors. Soon after, I began to wonder: could this celebrated salad be transformed into an even more substantial and versatile bean salad? Given that the original recipe already features chickpeas, it felt like a natural evolution. The result? A stunning and incredibly flavorful chickpea salad that truly stands on its own!

Brimming with savory salami, luscious mozzarella pearls, and intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes, this filling bean salad is a versatile masterpiece perfect for almost any occasion. We absolutely adore it as a vibrant and flavorful side dish for our favorite pizza and pasta nights. It also shines as a fantastic, high-protein meal prep option for healthy lunches throughout the week, offering a delicious alternative to your usual greens. But its potential extends far beyond – think potlucks, picnics, or even a light yet satisfying dinner. Its robust flavor profile and hearty ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask you to make again!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This La Scala Bean Salad

There are countless reasons why this La Scala inspired bean salad is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. From its wholesome ingredients to its incredible versatility, prepare to be captivated:

• Bursting with Fresh, Gourmet Flavors: Every bite is a symphony of tastes and textures. Imagine the bright sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the tender tang of marinated artichoke hearts, and the aromatic freshness of basil. These thoughtfully selected ingredients elevate this simple bean salad into a gourmet experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
• Your Ultimate Healthy Lunch Solution: This salad isn’t just tasty; it’s a nutritional powerhouse! Packed with both plant-based protein from chickpeas and essential dietary fiber, it’s incredibly satisfying and keeps you feeling full and energized for hours. Plus, it’s remarkably easy to assemble, making it ideal for busy individuals seeking nutritious lunch options without sacrificing flavor.
• A Brilliant Twist on a Viral Classic: If you’re already a fan of the original La Scala chopped salad, celebrated for its unique dressing and fresh ingredients like crisp romaine lettuce, then you are guaranteed to adore this bean-tastic rendition. It captures the essence of the original while offering a heartier, more substantial profile, perfect for those who crave a more filling meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: One of the standout features of this bean salad is how well it holds up over time. Unlike lettuce-based salads that can wilt quickly, this bean salad actually improves as the flavors meld together, making it an ideal candidate for preparing ahead of time for healthy, grab-and-go meals throughout your busy week.
• Remarkably Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even an appetizer, this salad adapts beautifully. You can easily customize it with additional proteins or vegetables to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for Your La Scala Bean Salad

Crafting the perfect La Scala Bean Salad starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:

• Chickpeas (AKA Garbanzo Beans): These versatile legumes are the foundation of our bean salad. A classic element in the famous La Scala chopped salad, chickpeas bring a wonderfully creamy texture and a significant boost of plant-based protein and fiber. While chickpeas are our top recommendation for their mild flavor and hearty bite, feel free to experiment with other mild-flavored beans like cannellini beans (white kidney beans), which also work beautifully in this recipe. Just ensure they are thoroughly drained and rinsed!
• Salami: For that irresistible salty, savory kick, thinly sliced salami is a must. I highly recommend purchasing pre-sliced salami from your deli counter; this makes it much easier to achieve the super thin strips or julienned pieces that integrate best into a chopped-style salad. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can certainly swap it for other thinly sliced deli meats such as smoked turkey, chicken, or ham for a different flavor profile.
• Bocconcini (AKA Mini Mozzarella Balls): These delightful fresh mini mozzarella balls are often sold brine-packed in small containers at your local grocery store. Their perfectly bite-sized form and creamy texture make them ideal for salads, adding pockets of rich, milky flavor. If bocconcini aren’t available, or you prefer a different option, shredded mozzarella cheese can be used as a convenient substitute.
• For the Dressing: The Secret to Signature La Scala Flavor: The magic of this salad, much like its chopped counterpart, lies in its exquisite dressing. This is a take on the restaurant’s famous Leon salad dressing, which is surprisingly easy to whip up at home with just a few pantry staples. You’ll need good quality extra virgin olive oil, tangy white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar for a bolder note), a touch of dry mustard powder (or Dijon mustard for convenience), grated Parmesan cheese for umami depth, and of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This dressing is what truly elevates the salad, providing that distinctive bright and zesty finish.

You’ll also need these flavor enhancers:

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These concentrated bursts of sweet and tangy tomato flavor add incredible depth and a chewy texture to the salad. Opt for oil-packed varieties for the best flavor and moisture.
• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: While optional, I highly encourage adding these! Marinated artichokes bring a lovely tender texture and a bright, briny tang that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Be sure to drain them well before chopping.
• Fresh Basil: A generous handful of freshly chopped basil adds an aromatic, sweet, and peppery herbaceous note, essential for that authentic Italian-inspired taste.
• Flaky Salt (and Pepper): Seasoning is key! Always start with the recommended amount and then add extra flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste at the very end. The right amount of salt will make all the other flavors sing!

How to Make This Flavorful Bean Salad (La Scala Style)

Creating this delicious La Scala Bean Salad is a straightforward process, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Prepare the Beans: Start by thoroughly draining and rinsing your canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans) under cold water. This removes excess sodium and improves their texture. Transfer the clean, drained beans to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the Vibrant Toppings: Now, it’s time to bring the salad to life! Carefully add your prepared toppings to the bowl with the chickpeas. This includes the thinly sliced salami, halved or quartered mini mozzarella balls, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, flavorful marinated artichoke hearts (if using), and fragrant fresh basil. Ensure all ingredients are chopped into roughly bite-sized pieces for easy eating and even distribution of flavor.
3. Gently Combine: Using a pair of salad tongs or a large spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together in the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly distributed and no single ingredient is clumped together.
4. Whisk Up the Tangy Dressing: In a separate small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the dressing ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and creamy. If using a jar, simply shake it well until combined.
5. Dress and Toss: Pour the freshly prepared dressing generously over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Use your salad tongs to toss everything together once more, ensuring every chickpea, salami slice, and mozzarella ball is beautifully coated in the tangy, flavorful dressing.
6. Taste, Season, and Serve: This is a crucial step! Taste a spoonful of the dressed salad. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper until the flavors truly pop and taste bright and balanced. Scoop generous portions into individual bowls, and for an extra touch of freshness, garnish with a few more fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy immediately, or let the flavors meld in the fridge for a short while before serving for an even deeper taste!

Storing Leftovers & Meal Prep Strategies

One of the best qualities of this La Scala Bean Salad is its longevity and suitability for meal prepping. You can enjoy delicious, healthy meals throughout the week with minimal effort!

To store any leftover bean salad, simply transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s completely normal for some dressing and liquid to settle at the bottom of the container over time. Before serving, give the salad a good shake or a quick stir to help redistribute the flavorful dressing and ensure every bite is as delicious as the first.

Delicious Substitutions & Creative Variations

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to customize a recipe to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. This La Scala Bean Salad is incredibly flexible, offering many opportunities for delicious substitutions and creative variations:

• Make it a Chicken Bean Salad: For a more substantial meal, especially if you’re looking for extra protein, add slices of perfectly grilled chicken breast on top of the salad. Ensure the chicken is well-seasoned to complement the robust flavors of the salad. You can also shred rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
• Return to a Traditional Salad Base: If you miss the crunch of lettuce, you can easily serve spoonfuls of this hearty bean mixture on a bed of crisp greens. The original La Scala salad traditionally features a blend of romaine and crisp iceberg lettuce, but feel free to use your favorite salad greens such as butter lettuce, mixed greens, or even peppery arugula for an added kick.
• Salami-Free Options: If salami isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for a lighter alternative, there are plenty of delicious swaps. Consider using finely chopped deli chicken, turkey, or ham instead. Smoked versions of these deli meats often provide a bit more flavor depth, and those with extra seasonings can enhance the salad even further. Crispy bacon bits or finely diced pepperoni can also be interesting, albeit different, additions.
• Explore Other Beans: While chickpeas are a classic and delicious ingredient in the original La Scala salad, don’t feel limited! No one will object if you choose to swap them out. Any mild-flavored bean will work wonderfully. We particularly enjoy this recipe with cannellini beans (or white kidney beans), which offer a slightly softer texture. Great northern beans or even black beans (for a different aesthetic and flavor profile) could also be experimented with.
• Crank Up the Flavor & Crunch: If you find yourself craving more textural contrast or an even bolder flavor profile, don’t hesitate to add your favorite crisp vegetables or other antipasto-inspired ingredients. Some of my top suggestions include thinly sliced red onion or shallots for a sharp bite, briny green olives, finely chopped bell pepper (red or yellow for sweetness), or jarred roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet note. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or croutons could also add a delightful crunch.
• Herb Variations: While fresh basil is key, you can also experiment with other fresh herbs. A touch of fresh parsley or oregano could add a lovely Mediterranean twist.

Expert Tips for the Best La Scala Bean Salad

Achieving a truly exceptional La Scala Bean Salad involves a few key techniques that can elevate your dish from good to gourmet. Here are some expert tips to ensure your salad is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor:

• Chop Everything into Uniform Bite-Sized Pieces: The secret to the perfect texture and an enjoyable eating experience in a chopped salad is consistency. Ensure all your ingredients, from the salami to the mozzarella and artichokes, are chopped into roughly bite-sized pieces, or even slightly smaller. I recommend halving or quartering the bocconcini, slicing the salami into uniform 2-inch strips, and keeping the artichoke pieces to about ½ inch or smaller. This not only makes the salad easier to eat but also ensures that you get a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every single forkful.
• Always Add Salt to Taste (and Don’t Be Shy!): This is arguably the most critical tip for any home cook. Properly salting your food is what brings out and brightens all the individual flavors. Start with the recommended amount in the recipe card, then taste the salad before serving. If it tastes a bit flat or like something is “missing,” it likely needs more salt. Continue to add small pinches, tasting after each addition, until the flavors “sing” and the salad tastes vibrant and well-balanced. It’s a delicate balance, but well worth the effort for a truly delicious result.
  • P.S. I personally adore using flaky Maldon salt for finishing salads like this – its delicate crunch and pure flavor are divine, but any good sea salt will do.
• Thoroughly Drain and Rinse Your Beans: For a multitude of reasons, it is absolutely essential to both drain and rinse your canned beans. The liquid they are packed in (often called aquafaba) can sometimes have a strong, slightly metallic flavor and a starchy texture that can dull the overall taste of your salad. Rinsing them thoroughly in a strainer under cold, running water will remove this cooking liquid, significantly improving both the flavor and the texture of your chickpeas, allowing their natural, creamy goodness to shine through.
• Allow Flavors to Meld: While this salad is delicious immediately, if you have the time, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) before serving. This allows the dressing to fully penetrate and meld with all the ingredients, resulting in an even deeper and more harmonious flavor profile.
• Invest in Quality Ingredients: Since this salad features simple, fresh components, the quality of your ingredients truly makes a difference. Opt for good quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and flavorful salami.