Scala chopped salad has become my go-to for a reason – it’s incredibly satisfying and bursting with fresh flavors! I first tried a version of this at a restaurant years ago, and the crisp texture, the tangy dressing, and the unexpected combo of ingredients just blew me away. It’s the perfect example of a truly delicious and healthy salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This easy Scala style salad recipe captures all those amazing elements, making it simple enough for any weeknight but special enough for guests. Get ready to discover your new favorite lunch or light dinner – let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Scala Style Chopped Salad
You’re going to adore this Scala style chopped salad for so many reasons! It’s incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal or side dish.
- It’s a wonderfully healthy salad option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- The finely chopped ingredients create a delightful, uniform texture in every bite.
- This Scala chopped salad recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
- It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization with your favorite additions.
- The zesty red wine vinaigrette is bright and flavorful, perfectly complementing all the components.
- Enjoy a refreshing and crisp bite every time, thanks to the fresh ingredients.
- It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for quick lunches or light dinners.
Authentic Scala Chopped Salad Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Scala chopped salad means starting with the right ingredients, all prepped for that signature bite. This Scala salad recipe is all about fresh, crisp components that come together beautifully.
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped – provides a crisp, watery crunch
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped – adds a slightly firmer texture and sweet flavor
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed – these add a lovely, slightly chewy texture and protein
- 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture preferred) – for that mild, creamy, Italian chopped salad Scala style element
- 8 ounces grilled chicken breast, sliced into thin strips or bite-sized cubes – lean protein to make this a complete meal
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh basil – for an aromatic, fresh burst
- Optional: ⅓ cup halved cherry tomatoes – for a pop of sweetness and color
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar – the tangy base of our dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – adds a little zing and helps emulsify
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano – classic Italian herb flavor
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – for a subtle garlic undertone
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – essential for flavor
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – for a gentle spice
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil – the heart of our zesty red wine vinaigrette
How to Make Scala Style Chopped Salad
Making a truly authentic Scala chopped salad is easier than you think! Follow these steps for that iconic crunch and flavor.
- Step 1: Get your chicken ready. Lightly season 8 ounces grilled chicken breast with salt, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and dried oregano. Grill over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into small, bite-sized strips or cubes. This juicy chicken is key to our hearty salad.
- Step 2: Prepare the Red Wine Vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. While whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in ½ cup extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is beautifully emulsified. Taste it – this zesty red wine vinaigrette is crucial for that classic Scala salad flavor!
- Step 3: Chop the Lettuce for the Best Texture. Remove the outer leaves from your 1 head iceberg lettuce and 1 head romaine lettuce. Rinse them thoroughly and, most importantly, dry them completely. Finely chop the lettuce into small, uniform pieces. This is essential for achieving the signature texture of a true Scala chopped salad.
- Step 4: Assemble and Toss Your Scala Chopped Salad. In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped lettuce, 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, your prepared grilled chicken, and any optional fresh basil or cherry tomatoes. Drizzle about three-quarters of the dressing over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients. Add more dressing if needed for that perfect Scala salad experience.
- Step 5: Serve Fresh. Transfer your beautiful Scala chopped salad to a serving bowl or individual plates and enjoy immediately!
Prepare the Red Wine Vinaigrette
To make the dressing for your Scala style salad, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create a smooth, emulsified red wine vinaigrette. This zesty dressing is the heart of the salad.
Chop the Lettuce for the Best Texture
The key to a fantastic Scala chopped salad is uniform chopping. Take your time to finely chop both the iceberg and romaine lettuce into small, consistent pieces. This ensures you get a bit of everything in each bite, making it a truly delightful Italian chopped salad Scala style.
Assemble and Toss Your Scala Chopped Salad
Combine the chopped lettuce, chickpeas, mozzarella, and grilled chicken in a large bowl. Add about three-quarters of the red wine vinaigrette. Toss everything gently until well coated. You want to ensure every ingredient gets a touch of that delicious dressing for the best Scala chopped salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Scala Chopped Salad
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate this Scala chopped salad from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tips to ensure your salad is a showstopper!
- Uniform chopping is king: Seriously, take your time chopping the lettuce and other ingredients into small, consistent pieces. This is what gives the salad its signature texture and makes it so delightful to eat.
- Don’t drown it in dressing: Start with about three-quarters of the dressing and toss well. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Too much dressing can make the lettuce soggy.
- Chill your ingredients: Make sure your lettuce, chicken, and even the dressing are well-chilled before assembling. This keeps the salad crisp and refreshing, which is absolutely essential for a great Scala style salad.
- Pat your lettuce dry: After washing, make sure your lettuce is as dry as possible. Excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad less vibrant.
What’s the secret to perfect Scala chopped salad?
The real secret to a perfect Scala chopped salad is the meticulous, fine chopping of all the ingredients. This technique ensures every single bite is a harmonious mix of flavors and textures, creating that signature satisfying crunch. For more on salad preparation, check out these food preparation tips.
Can I make Scala chopped salad ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! For the best results, I recommend prepping all your ingredients – chop the lettuce, cook the chicken, and make the dressing – and store them separately in the refrigerator. Toss everything together with the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Scala chopped salad?
A common mistake is not chopping finely or uniformly enough, which ruins the texture. Another pitfall is over-dressing the salad; start with less dressing and add more as needed. Lastly, ensure your lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing to prevent a watery salad. Proper food safety is also important; learn more about food safety guidelines.
Best Ways to Serve Scala Chopped Salad
This Scala chopped salad is so versatile, it works as a main course or a fantastic side dish. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or even as a vibrant addition to a larger spread. I love serving it alongside grilled fish or a simple pasta dish for a complete Italian chopped salad Scala style meal.
- Serve it as a complete meal with grilled chicken, and maybe a side of crusty bread.
- Pair it with lighter proteins like baked salmon or shrimp for a healthy, satisfying dinner.
- Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish for more robust mains like roasted chicken or pork tenderloin.
Scala Chopped Salad Nutritional Information
Per serving (this recipe yields 4 to 6 servings, so we’ll estimate for 4):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size. For more information on understanding nutritional labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s Nutrition Facts Label guide.
How to Store and Reheat Scala Chopped Salad
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Scala chopped salad later, especially if you’re planning for easy meals throughout the week. For the best results, I always let the salad cool completely before storing. Then, I transfer the dressed salad into an airtight container. You can keep this Scala chopped salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh lettuce and crisp ingredients, so avoid the freezer for this one. If you’ve prepped components separately, they’ll last even longer. To reheat, simply bring the ingredients to room temperature or give them a quick gentle toss to refresh them – no actual reheating is needed, just a little revival!
Frequently Asked Questions About Scala Chopped Salad
What is a Scala chopped salad?
A Scala chopped salad is a specific style of chopped salad, famously served at the La Scala restaurant. It’s known for its finely chopped ingredients, including lettuce, chickpeas, cheese, and often a protein like chicken, all coated in a zesty red wine vinaigrette. It’s a delightful Italian chopped salad Scala style.
Can I make this Scala chopped salad recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! If you want a vegetarian Scala chopped salad, simply omit the grilled chicken. The chickpeas and mozzarella provide plenty of substance, and you’ll still have a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying salad. It’s a very adaptable recipe!
What kind of cheese is best for a Scala salad?
For the most authentic texture in your Scala salad, low-moisture mozzarella is best. It holds its shape and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Avoid fresh mozzarella, as it can release too much water.
How do I get the best flavor from the red wine vinaigrette?
The key to a great Scala salad dressing recipe is to use good quality extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Make sure to whisk vigorously to emulsify the dressing properly, creating a smooth and cohesive coating for all your salad ingredients. Tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper before tossing is also crucial!
Variations of Scala Chopped Salad You Can Try
This Scala chopped salad is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting with different additions and twists! It’s so adaptable, you can really make it your own. Here are a few ideas to jazz up your next Scala chopped salad.
- Vegetarian Scala Chopped Salad: Skip the chicken and add more chickpeas or some hearty cannellini beans for extra protein and texture. You could also add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more depth.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or finely mince a jalapeño and toss it in with the other chopped ingredients. This adds a wonderful spicy element to the traditional Scala salad.
- Citrus Twist: Swap out half of the red wine vinegar for fresh lemon juice in the dressing. This creates a brighter, tangier flavor profile that’s incredibly refreshing.
- Herb Garden Delight: Beyond basil, try adding other fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or even a little fresh mint for a unique flavor profile in your easy Scala style salad.
Scala Style Chopped Salad: Amazing 1-Dish Wonder
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This La Scala-Style Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken is a crisp, tangy, and satisfying salad inspired by the classic La Scala restaurant dish. It features finely chopped iceberg and romaine lettuce, chickpeas, mozzarella, and grilled chicken, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette. It’s a lighter, pork-free take on the original, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture preferred)
- 8 ounces grilled chicken breast, sliced into thin strips or bite-sized cubes
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Optional: ⅓ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Grill and Slice the Chicken: Lightly season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, olive oil, and dried oregano. Grill over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into small, bite-sized strips or cubes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Red Wine Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Chop the Lettuce: Remove outer leaves from iceberg and romaine heads. Rinse and thoroughly dry. Finely chop the lettuce into small, uniform pieces.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, chickpeas, mozzarella, grilled chicken, and optional basil or cherry tomatoes. Drizzle about three-quarters of the dressing over the ingredients. Toss well to coat. Add more dressing if desired.
- Serve Fresh: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plates. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Uniform chopping is essential for the signature chopped salad texture.
- Keep all salad components chilled before assembling for a refreshing bite.
- Start with less dressing than you think you need; you can always add more.
- Low-moisture mozzarella is recommended for better texture.
- For meal prep, store ingredients separately and toss just before serving.
- Consider dressing variations like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, or add-ins like cucumber or red onion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling, Chopping, Whisking, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Keywords: Scala chopped salad, Scala style salad, chopped salad, grilled chicken salad, red wine vinaigrette, easy salad recipe, healthy salad
