If you’re on the hunt for a salad that’s bursting with vibrant colors, fresh textures, and bold flavors, you simply must try the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. This delightful dish brings together crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy radishes, creamy feta, and tender chicken—all tossed in a tangy, rich dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s the kind of salad that feels both comforting and refreshing, perfect as a wholesome lunch or a stunning side for dinner. Trust me, once you make this salad, it will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad may look fancy, but it’s built on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that really shine when combined. Each one is thoughtfully chosen for its texture, flavor, or color, making the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe a true celebration of freshness and balance.
- 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped): The crisp, sturdy base that gives the salad structure and crunch.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Adds bursts of sweetness and a pop of juicy color.
- 1 cup cucumber (diced): Brings refreshing crispness and lightness.
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped): Offers a sharp, savory bite to contrast the veggies.
- 1/2 cup radishes (thinly sliced): Gives a peppery kick that enlivens the palette.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (diced): Adds sweetness and a beautiful, bright hue.
- 1 cup garbanzo beans (canned, drained, and rinsed): Delivers a creamy texture and plant-based protein.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (diced): Boosts protein for a more filling salad.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds tangy creaminess and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): For a fresh, herby finish and a splash of green.
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Brings tanginess to brighten the salad.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle, earthy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Lends a touch of gentle heat and emulsifies the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Veggies and Beans
Start with a large bowl and toss together your chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, thinly sliced radishes, diced bell pepper, and garbanzo beans. This colorful mix forms the heart of the salad, combining fresh crispness with a mild creaminess from the beans.
Step 2: Add Protein and Cheese
Next, fold in the diced cooked chicken breast and crumbled feta cheese. The chicken adds a satisfying bite and protein boost, while the feta injects rich creaminess and a slight tanginess that elevates the salad’s flavor profile beautifully.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth. This dressing will bring everything together—bright, zesty, and silky all at once.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over your combined salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly. You want every colorful morsel to be lightly coated, so the flavors mingle without weighing down the crisp textures.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of herbal freshness and a lovely finishing touch. Serve immediately to enjoy that fresh crunch, or refrigerate for up to an hour to let the flavors develop even more. Either way, this Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is a guaranteed winner.
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic, but feel free to add sliced olives or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor contrast. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten this salad just before eating.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, warm garlic bread, or even a light pasta dish to complement its fresh, vibrant character. It can also stand alone for a light lunch or picnic treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in individual clear glass bowls to showcase all those gorgeous colors. Another fun idea is layering the ingredients in a large glass jar for a make-ahead lunch on the go—just give it a good shake to mix before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the salad’s crisp texture, tossing everything together just before serving.
Freezing
Because this salad is made with fresh vegetables and cheese, it’s best not to freeze it. The texture of the radishes, lettuce, and cucumbers will be compromised when thawed, so it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it will affect the textures and freshness that make this dish so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine is traditional for this recipe’s crunch and sturdiness, you can substitute with iceberg or green leaf lettuce depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Of course! Simply omit the chicken breast, and you’ll still have a protein boost from the garbanzo beans and plenty of flavor from the other fresh ingredients and feta cheese.
What can I substitute for feta if I don’t like cheese?
You can try diced avocado for a creamy texture or omit it altogether. A handful of toasted nuts or seeds can also add crunch and depth in place of the feta.
How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?
For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad within an hour of tossing it with the dressing. After that, the vegetables may start to soften, so it’s best served fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe enough for anyone who loves vibrant, fresh meals packed with flavor and texture. It’s easy to put together, satisfying to eat, and endlessly adaptable—truly a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite lunchtime (or anytime) go-to!
Print
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish combining a crisp mix of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, radishes, bell pepper, garbanzo beans, and diced cooked chicken breast, all tossed with a tangy red wine vinegar and oregano dressing and finished with creamy feta cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a light, satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup radishes (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup garbanzo beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (diced)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced radishes, diced bell pepper, and garbanzo beans.
- Add Protein and Cheese: Add the diced cooked chicken breast and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every ingredient with the flavorful dressing evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the salad immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best texture, serve the salad immediately; refrigerating longer than 1 hour may cause the vegetables to wilt.
- Use freshly cooked chicken breast or leftover chicken for convenience.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add more beans or chickpeas.
- You can swap red wine vinegar for lemon juice for a different tangy flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, depending on the saltiness of the feta cheese.
