If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and color, then you need to try this La Scala Chopped Salad. Originating from the famous La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, this salad combines a medley of fresh vegetables with a zesty dressing, making it an ideal choice for lunch or as a side dish at dinner parties. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare. You can whip up this delicious salad in no time, utilizing your favorite seasonal vegetables and optional proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. With its vibrant presentation and delightful crunch, this chopped salad is sure to impress your guests while keeping things light and healthy. Plus, it stores well in the fridge for leftovers or meal prep throughout the week. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this classic recipe that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This La Scala Chopped Salad

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

this recipe

Ingredients for La Scala Chopped Salad

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

• Romaine Lettuce: Use crisp romaine leaves as the base of your salad; they provide crunch and freshness.
• Cucumber: Choose a firm cucumber; peeling is optional but enhances the visual appeal.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color; opt for ripe ones for the best flavor.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite; soak them in cold water briefly if you prefer a milder taste.
• Kalamata Olives: Pitted olives give a briny depth; consider using green olives for variation.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; opt for high-quality feta for superior taste.

For the Dressing:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil as the foundation of your dressing for rich flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors; avoid bottled juice if possible.
• Dried Oregano: This herb infuses an Italian flair into your dressing; feel free to adjust according to taste.

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 Base

Start by thoroughly washing the romaine lettuce under cold water. Drain well and chop it into bite-sized pieces before placing it in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add Fresh Vegetables

Next, slice the cucumber into thin rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes. Add both to the bowl along with thinly sliced red onion.

Step 3: Incorporate Olives and Cheese

Toss in pitted Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the salad mixture. These ingredients will enhance both texture and flavor.

Step 4: Mix Your Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and dried oregano until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Drizzle your homemade dressing over the chopped salad mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Transfer generous portions onto plates or serve family-style in a large bowl. Enjoy immediately for optimal freshness!

Tips and Tricks

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

• Even Sizing: Aim to chop all vegetables into similar sizes so they mix well together and create uniform bites.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use seasonal produce whenever possible; fresh ingredients enhance flavor significantly.
• Dressing Tip: Make your dressing ahead of time; letting it sit allows flavors to meld beautifully before adding it to your salad.

How to Serve La Scala Chopped Salad

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

• Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the fresh ingredients in the salad.
• Quinoa: A nutritious base that adds texture and enhances the overall healthiness of your meal.
• Pasta Dishes: The salad’s crispness provides a refreshing contrast to creamy or hearty pasta dishes.

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

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can chop vegetables up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
• Storing: Leftover La Scala Chopped Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, keep dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
• Reheating: If you need to warm up any components, such as chicken or quinoa, do so in the microwave for about one minute on medium heat. Stir and check if it’s heated through before serving.

Suggestions for La Scala Chopped Salad :

Avoid Overdressing the Salad

Overdressing your La Scala Chopped Salad can lead to a soggy mess. To avoid this mistake, start with a small amount of dressing, and toss the salad gently. You want to enhance the flavors without drowning them. If you feel like it needs more, add a little at a time until you achieve your desired taste. Remember, it’s easier to add more dressing than to remove excess. A well-balanced salad will have all its ingredients shining through without being overwhelmed by the dressing.

Choose Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is crucial for a delicious La Scala Chopped Salad. Always opt for crisp vegetables and ripe fruits when possible. Wilted greens or overripe tomatoes will negatively affect both flavor and presentation. Visit local farmers’ markets or grocery stores that prioritize fresh produce. When selecting ingredients, look for vibrant colors and firm textures; these are signs of freshness. Quality matters in salads, and fresh ingredients will elevate the overall taste of your dish.

Cut Ingredients Uniformly

Cutting your ingredients uniformly is essential for achieving the perfect La Scala Chopped Salad. Aim for small, bite-sized pieces that ensure even distribution of flavors in every bite. This uniformity helps with the overall texture and allows all components to blend seamlessly. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, which prevents bruising and keeps vegetables looking appealing. If you’re unsure about your chopping skills, practice with different vegetables to gain confidence and improve your technique.

Don’t Skimp on Seasoning

Seasoning is key when making La Scala Chopped Salad; many people overlook this step. Use salt and pepper generously to enhance the natural flavors of your ingredients. Additionally, consider adding herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of flavor complexity. Taste as you go, adjusting seasoning based on personal preferences. A well-seasoned salad can transform simple ingredients into a vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor, so don’t underestimate this essential step.

FAQs :

What is La Scala Chopped Salad?

La Scala Chopped Salad is a popular dish originating from La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. This salad features finely chopped vegetables such as Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives. It often includes chickpeas and sometimes features cheese or meats like salami or turkey as additions. The salad is typically dressed with a tangy vinaigrette that complements the freshness of the ingredients beautifully. It’s loved for its crunchy texture and vibrant flavors, making it a perfect starter or side dish at any meal.

How can I customize my La Scala Chopped Salad?

Customizing your La Scala Chopped Salad is easy! Start by selecting your base greens; while Romaine is traditional, you can mix in spinach or arugula for variety. Next, choose additional toppings such as bell peppers, avocado, or grilled chicken to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For added crunch, consider nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or almonds. Experiment with different dressings too; while the classic vinaigrette works well, try something creamy or spicy if you want to switch things up.

Can I make La Scala Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Making La Scala Chopped Salad ahead of time is possible but requires some care to maintain freshness. To do this effectively, chop all vegetables but keep them separate from the dressing until you’re ready to serve. Store everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator so they don’t wilt or lose their texture. When ready to eat, combine all elements in a bowl and drizzle with dressing just before serving for optimal crunchiness and flavor.

What are some serving suggestions for La Scala Chopped Salad?

Serving suggestions for La Scala Chopped Salad are versatile! This refreshing dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak as a side salad during barbecues or dinner parties. For lighter meals, enjoy it on its own along with crusty bread for dipping or alongside soup as an appetizer. You could also pack it into lunchboxes as a healthy workday meal; just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat!

Conclusion

The La Scala Chopped Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and textures that delight the palate. By avoiding common mistakes such as overdressing or using wilted ingredients, you can create a truly memorable salad every time you prepare it. Remember to cut your veggies uniformly for even taste distribution and don’t shy away from experimenting with seasonings to elevate your dish further. Customizing it allows you to personalize flavors according to preference while maintaining its core essence.

In summary, focus on fresh ingredients, balanced seasoning, and preparation techniques that enhance both taste and presentation when making your salad masterpiece! Enjoy this delightful dish at any gathering or as part of nutritious meals throughout the week!

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La Scala Chopped Salad

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of La Scala Chopped Salad, a refreshing dish that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Originating from the renowned La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, this salad features a colorful array of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette that brings everything together. Perfect for casual lunches, dinner parties, or meal prep, this easy-to-make salad can be customized with your favorite proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. Enjoy its crunchiness and lightness at any occasion while keeping your meals healthy and satisfying.

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Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce
• Cucumber
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Wash and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces; place in a large bowl.
2. Slice cucumber into thin rounds and halve cherry tomatoes; add to the bowl along with sliced red onion.
3. Incorporate pitted Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the salad mixture.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and dried oregano until well combined.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad; toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 12mg

Keywords: - For added protein, consider grilled chicken or chickpeas.- Customize by adding bell peppers or avocados for extra flavor and texture.- Make the dressing ahead of time for enhanced flavor.