If you’re looking for a vibrant, satisfying salad that delivers both bold flavors and delightful textures, look no further than the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe. This dish perfectly blends fresh, crisp vegetables with savory chicken, creamy feta, and a tangy homemade dressing to create a salad experience that feels truly special. Every bite bursts with freshness and a perfect balance of tastes, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a standout side dish at dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to this salad’s success. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the crunch from the cucumbers and bell peppers or the creamy tang of feta cheese. These simple, fresh ingredients come together in harmony to create that signature flavor and texture you’ll love.
- 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped): The crisp, fresh base that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and bright color.
- 1 cup cucumber (diced): Provides refreshing crunch that wakes up your palate.
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped): A gentle pungency that adds a delicious bite.
- 1/2 cup radishes (thinly sliced): Brings a peppery note and lovely crunch.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (diced): Adds sweet flavor and vibrant hue.
- 1 cup garbanzo beans (canned, drained, and rinsed): A hearty source of protein and subtle earthiness.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (diced): Keeps the salad filling with lean protein.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy, tangy richness to every forkful.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Gives a fresh herbaceous finish and color contrast.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Infuses the dressing with bright tang.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: Provides smooth, rich flavor and balances the acidity.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a warm, savory herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle spice and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine Fresh Veggies and Beans
Start by tossing together the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, thinly sliced radishes, diced bell pepper, and drained garbanzo beans in a large bowl. This colorful mix forms the vibrant foundation of the salad, showcasing a variety of textures and natural sweetness that will shine through after dressing.
Step 2: Add Protein and Cheese
Next, fold in the diced cooked chicken breast and crumbled feta cheese. The chicken adds hearty substance making this salad truly satisfying as a meal, while the feta provides that tangy creaminess that balances the fresh vegetables beautifully.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, vigorously whisk the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is tangy and herbaceous with a silky texture that will coat every ingredient, lifting the whole salad with bright, savory notes.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over the combined ingredients, then gently toss everything to ensure an even coating. Taking care here ensures every bite brings that perfect combination of fresh produce and flavorful dressing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh aroma. You can enjoy this salad right away or chill it for about an hour to let all the flavors meld together for an even more delicious experience.
How to Serve Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is the classic garnish, but feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few olives to enhance texture and introduce a Mediterranean vibe. These little touches will elevate the presentation and add a subtle complexity to each bite.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderful alongside grilled fish or a simply roasted chicken, but it also pairs well with warm crusty bread or lightly dressed pasta. The light yet satisfying nature of the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe complements richer mains perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the salad in individual mason jars layered for a picnic-style treat or presented on a large platter for a family-style meal. Adding edible flowers or lemon wedges around the plate can add a festive, colorful touch that’s sure to impress at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal crispness, as the vegetables and dressing can start to soften if stored too long.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, freezing the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe is not recommended. Freezing would compromise the texture and freshness that make this salad so delightful.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature and is not designed to be reheated. If you want a warm element with your salad, serve it alongside a hot dish rather than warming the salad itself.
FAQs
Can I make the salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the cooked chicken breast and increase the garbanzo beans or add other beans like black beans or kidney beans for extra protein. The feta cheese still provides richness and flavor.
How long can I store the salad before it loses its freshness?
For the best experience, eat the salad within 24 hours of making it. If you want to prepare it ahead, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the greens from getting soggy.
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Yes! Swap romaine for kale or spinach for a different texture, or use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier bite. The dressing can also be adjusted to taste by adding a bit of honey or swapping red wine vinegar for lemon juice.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Just keep the dressing on the side until mealtime. The chopped ingredients hold up well, making it a convenient and healthy option for lunches or quick dinners.
What wines pair well with this salad?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the fresh, tangy elements in the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe, enhancing the salad’s vibrant flavors without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the steps and tips for this incredible Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe, I encourage you to gather these fresh ingredients and give it a try. It’s a salad that feels both light and satisfying, making it a favorite for any season. Once you taste that perfect blend of crisp veggies, savory chicken, tangy feta, and zesty dressing, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. Enjoy every fresh, flavorful bite!
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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
Description
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful dish combining crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy vegetables, protein-packed garbanzo beans and chicken, creamy feta cheese, and a tangy, herbaceous red wine vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side, this chopped salad offers a delightful balance of textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
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, add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, thinly sliced radishes, diced bell pepper, and drained garbanzo beans. Mix gently to start combining the base of the salad.
- Add protein and cheese: Incorporate the diced cooked chicken breast and crumbled feta cheese into the vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly without bruising the vegetables or cheese.
- Prepare the 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 mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated with the flavorful vinaigrette.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top of the salad for a burst of freshness and color. Serve the salad immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken breast for best flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add extra beans or tofu.
- Salad is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 1 hour before serving.
- Adjust salt and pepper in dressing to your taste preference.
- Make sure to drain and rinse canned garbanzo beans well to reduce sodium content.
