Name: La Scala Chopped Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486689H23M26S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 3 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant dish that combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a perfect choice for any meal. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, ensuring that each bite is both satisfying and healthy. Originating from the famous La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, this salad has gained popularity for its unique blend of vegetables, proteins, and a tangy dressing that elevates the overall taste experience. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility; you can easily customize it to your liking by adding or substituting various ingredients based on seasonal availability or personal preferences. light and refreshing summer salad Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a light lunch, or looking for a delightful side dish at dinner, La Scala Chopped Salad fits the bill perfectly. In just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and refreshing salad that will impress your family and friends, making it an essential addition to your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This La Scala Chopped Salad

For more inspiration, check out this Curry Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe.

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, making this salad is stress-free even for those new to cooking.
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices.
Nutrient-Packed: The mix of fresh vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals while keeping calories low.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners; it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for La Scala Chopped Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Romaine Lettuce: Use crisp romaine hearts as the base of your salad for crunchiness and freshness.
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes which add sweetness and vibrant color to the salad.
Cucumber: A diced cucumber adds hydration and a refreshing crunch; choose firm ones for the best texture.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion contributes a mild bite; soak in water briefly to mellow out the flavor if desired.
Kalamata Olives: These briny olives provide depth of flavor; pitted ones are easier to work with.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang; opt for high-quality cheese for enhanced taste.

For the Dressing:

Red Wine Vinegar: This vinegar adds acidity; use it as the base for your tangy dressing.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while providing healthy fats; choose a good quality oil for the best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make La Scala Chopped Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and pit if necessary then chop the Kalamata olives.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all cut vegetables along with crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix everything together without bruising the delicate leaves.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar and olive oil until emulsified. You can also add salt and pepper to taste based on preference.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently once more to ensure every ingredient is coated evenly with dressing.

Step 5: Chill (Optional)

For enhanced flavor melding, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about fifteen minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates or bowls and serve immediately as a refreshing side or main dish option.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cutting: Make sure all ingredients are cut into similar sizes for consistent texture throughout each bite.
Fresh Ingredients: Use only fresh produce to enhance flavor; avoid wilted or overly ripe vegetables.
Dressing Control: Add dressing gradually until you reach your preferred level of flavor without overpowering other ingredients.

How to Serve La Scala Chopped Salad

This La Scala Chopped Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Grilled Chicken: The lightness of the salad complements the savory grilled flavors beautifully.
Fish Tacos: The salad adds a fresh crunch that balances the spicy elements of the tacos.
Quinoa Bowl: A nutritious option that enhances the dish while adding extra protein.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare components of La Scala Chopped Salad up to a day in advance. Wash and chop vegetables, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prep should take about 30 minutes, keeping ingredients fresh until you’re ready to mix.
Storing: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you have dressing mixed into the salad, consume it within one day for optimal freshness. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for best results.
Reheating: Although it’s best served cold, if you prefer a warm version, gently microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds. Avoid overheating, as this can wilt the greens and change the texture of other ingredients.

Suggestions for La Scala Chopped Salad:

Use Fresh Ingredients

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your La Scala Chopped Salad, always use fresh ingredients. Avoid wilted lettuce or overripe tomatoes, as these can ruin the overall dish. Fresh vegetables provide crunch and a burst of flavor, which enhances the salad’s appeal. When shopping, look for vibrant colors and firm textures. It’s also a good idea to buy locally sourced produce when possible. This not only supports local farmers but often results in higher quality ingredients. Remember that the freshness of your ingredients directly impacts the taste of your salad. For more inspiration, check out this Corn Pasta Salad recipe.

Don’t Overdress the Salad

A common mistake when preparing La Scala Chopped Salad is using too much dressing. While a good dressing adds flavor, an excessive amount can overpower the fresh ingredients and make the salad soggy. Aim for a balanced approach by starting with a small amount of dressing and adding more as needed. Toss gently to combine, ensuring every ingredient gets coated without drowning them in liquid. This way, you maintain the crispness of the vegetables while enhancing their natural flavors.

Cut Ingredients Uniformly

Uniformity in cutting your ingredients is key to achieving the perfect La Scala Chopped Salad. If you chop vegetables into varying sizes, it can lead to an uneven texture and presentation. Aim for consistent bite-sized pieces to ensure that each forkful contains a balanced mix of flavors and textures. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, which will help maintain the integrity of delicate ingredients like herbs or tomatoes. This attention to detail not only enhances visual appeal but also improves the overall eating experience.

Allow Time to Marinate

Letting your La Scala Chopped Salad sit for a short period before serving can elevate its flavor profile significantly. Allowing the salad to marinate gives time for the dressing to penetrate the ingredients fully, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. However, avoid letting it sit too long; otherwise, it may become soggy. A marinating time of about 10-15 minutes is ideal—this allows flavors to meld while keeping vegetables crisp and fresh.

FAQs:

What are the main ingredients in La Scala Chopped Salad?

The primary ingredients in La Scala Chopped Salad include Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, salami, and cheese such as provolone or mozzarella. The combination creates a vibrant mix that is both visually appealing and flavorful. Additionally, it’s important to use high-quality olive oil and vinegar for dressing; they play a crucial role in enhancing the overall taste of this dish.

Can I customize my La Scala Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! One of the great things about La Scala Chopped Salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For instance, you can substitute salami with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. spicy Cajun chicken bowls Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch or even fruits like avocado for creaminess.

How should I store leftover La Scala Chopped Salad?

If you have leftover La Scala Chopped Salad, proper storage is essential to maintain its freshness. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat again. This prevents sogginess and retains texture in your salad components. Consume leftovers within 2 days for optimal taste and quality.

What pairs well with La Scala Chopped Salad?

La Scala Chopped Salad pairs excellently with several dishes due to its refreshing nature. Consider serving it alongside grilled meats such as chicken or steak for a complete meal. It also works well as a side dish during picnics or barbecues since its bright flavors complement rich foods beautifully. Caprese chicken pasta salad bowl Adding some crusty bread on the side can enhance your dining experience further.

Conclusion for La Scala Chopped Salad:

In conclusion, creating a delicious La Scala Chopped Salad requires careful attention to ingredient selection and preparation techniques. Start with fresh produce, avoid over-dressing, cut everything uniformly, and consider letting it marinate briefly before serving for maximum flavor impact. quick and tasty salmon salad Remember that customization is key; feel free to adapt this classic recipe according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. By following these suggestions, you’ll ensure that every serving is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor—a perfect addition to any meal!