The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad (Kardashian Salad) Recipe: A Simple & Delicious Homemade Classic

There are salads, and then there are *iconic* salads. The La Scala Chopped Salad, affectionately dubbed the “Kardashian Salad” thanks to its viral fame, falls squarely into the latter category. Originating from the legendary La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, this isn’t just a simple mix of greens; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that has captivated palates for decades. This copycat version brings that exact magic right into your kitchen, offering an easy and incredibly satisfying meal that proves delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.

Imagine crisp iceberg lettuce, perfectly chopped and tossed with savory strips of high-quality salami, tender and protein-packed garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and two types of creamy, rich cheese. All of this is then bathed in an unforgettable vinaigrette dressing that ties every single ingredient together in a harmonious blend. It’s refreshing, hearty, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive side dish for any gathering.

Whether you’re recreating a taste of Old Hollywood glamour or simply looking for a wholesome and satisfying salad that’s packed with flavor, this homemade La Scala Chopped Salad recipe is your answer. Forget bland greens; this is a meal that truly satisfies, proving that some classics are timeless for a very good reason.

Unpacking the Magic: Why This Salad Shines

What makes the La Scala Chopped Salad so universally beloved? It’s more than just a list of ingredients; it’s the thoughtful combination and execution that elevates it from a simple salad to a culinary experience. Here’s what we truly adore about this incredible recipe:

1. The Allure of Simplicity: Fewer Ingredients, More Flavor

   Despite its rich and complex flavor profile, the La Scala Chopped Salad is ridiculously simple to make, utilizing just a handful of thoughtfully selected ingredients. This isn’t a recipe that requires obscure items or hours of prep; it’s about making the most of fresh, quality components.

   • The star of the show, the salad itself, masterfully combines crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce with thin, salty strips of salami, tender and earthy chickpeas, and creamy, mild mozzarella cheese. Just four main ingredients create a base that is both satisfying and incredibly well-balanced in terms of texture and taste.
   • The incredible vinaigrette dressing, which is truly the heart of this salad, requires only a few pantry staples: bright red wine vinegar, high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), tangy Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese, all brought together with a touch of salt and freshly ground pepper. With fewer than 10 ingredients for the entire dish, you achieve a giant, incredibly satisfying salad that tastes gourmet without the fuss.

2. A Star-Studded History: From Old Hollywood to TikTok Fame

   This isn’t just any chopped salad; it’s a salad with a legendary backstory. The La Scala salad was reportedly created at the specific request of golden-era movie stars like the iconic Marilyn Monroe and the enchanting Judy Garland. They needed a meal that was not only delicious but also easy to eat while adorned in their elaborate awards-show attire – imagine trying to gracefully eat a large, leafy salad in a ball gown! The chopped nature of the La Scala salad made it perfectly suited for such occasions.

   Its popularity has endured through the decades, evolving to capture the attention of a new generation. Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Kardashian salad” that took TikTok by storm? That’s right, it’s one and the same! The Kardashian family’s frequent visits to La Scala and their love for this specific chopped salad introduced it to millions worldwide, cementing its status as a modern-day celebrity favorite. Enjoying this salad means you’re literally dining like the stars, from classic Hollywood legends to contemporary pop culture icons.

Mastering the Ingredients for Your La Scala Salad

While the La Scala Chopped Salad is known for its simplicity, understanding each ingredient’s role and how to choose it can elevate your homemade version even further. Let’s delve into the key components:

The Crisp Foundation: Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce might sometimes get a bad rap for being “just water,” but in this salad, it’s absolutely essential. Its signature crispness and mild flavor provide the perfect refreshing crunch, acting as an ideal canvas for the bolder flavors of the salami and dressing. Unlike more delicate lettuces, iceberg stands up well to the vinaigrette without wilting quickly, ensuring your salad stays fresh and crunchy even if it sits for a little while. For the best experience, ensure your iceberg is firm, pale green, and free from any brown spots. A thorough rinse and drain are crucial for crispness.

The Savory Star: Salami

Salami introduces a delightful salty, savory, and slightly spicy kick that is central to the La Scala experience. The original recipe is famous for its thinly sliced strips, which integrate beautifully into the chopped texture of the salad. While premium varieties like Fra’ Mani or Tempesta offer exquisite flavor, there’s no need to break the bank. Brands like Boar’s Head or even quality store-brand private selections will work wonderfully. The most important thing is that you enjoy the flavor profile of the salami you choose. Feel free to experiment with different types, from Genoa to hard salami, to find your personal favorite.

Nutritious & Hearty: Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)

Chickpeas add a wonderful earthiness, a boost of plant-based protein, and a satisfying textural contrast to the crisp lettuce and chewy salami. They make the salad more substantial and filling. Canned chickpeas are perfectly convenient for this recipe; just remember to drain them well and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve their texture. If you prefer, you can cook dried chickpeas from scratch, but canned ones offer a fantastic shortcut without sacrificing quality.

Creamy Perfection: Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella provides a creamy, mild counterpoint to the saltiness of the salami and the tang of the dressing. Its subtle flavor allows the other ingredients to shine while adding a lovely richness. Shredded mozzarella is ideal for this recipe as it disperses evenly throughout the chopped salad, ensuring a creamy bite in every forkful. You can use pre-shredded varieties for convenience or shred a block of whole-milk mozzarella yourself for an even fresher taste and meltier texture, though it’s typically served cold in this salad.

The Zesty Heart: The Vinaigrette Dressing

The vinaigrette is truly what brings this entire salad to life. It’s simple but incredibly flavorful, featuring classic components that create a perfect balance of acidity, richness, and savory notes.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Forms the rich base of the dressing. Choose a good quality EVOO for the best flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides the essential tang and acidity that brightens the entire salad.
• Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar combine into a smooth, cohesive dressing. It also adds a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor.
• Grated Parmesan: Infuses the dressing with a salty, umami-rich punch.
• Salt and Fresh Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out all the other flavors.

Expert Tips for the Perfect La Scala Chopped Salad

Achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture in your La Scala Chopped Salad is easy with a few insider tips:

• Vinaigrette Mastery: Shake It Up or Whisk It Well

  The dressing is a crucial component of this salad, and proper emulsification is key for a creamy, cohesive texture that coats every ingredient beautifully. If you have a mason jar handy, it’s arguably the easiest method: simply add all your dressing ingredients, secure the lid tightly, and shake vigorously for about 30-60 seconds until the mixture is fully blended and slightly thickened. Don’t have a mason jar? No problem! You can use a bowl and a whisk just as effectively. Just ensure you really whisk everything together until the oil and vinegar are completely emulsified and no longer separated. This ensures every bite gets the full, zesty flavor of the dressing.

• Salami Selection: Quality & Convenience

  The salami adds a delightful savory, salty element to this chopped salad. While high-end deli brands like Fra’ Mani or Tempesta offer exceptional quality, don’t feel pressured to splurge. Any salami you like will be perfect in your La Scala chopped salad. More accessible brands like Boar’s Head or even your supermarket’s private selection deli salami will provide fantastic flavor and texture. The key is to ensure it’s thinly sliced, either by purchasing pre-sliced or asking your deli counter to slice it thinly for you, then cut into strips to match the “chopped” nature of the salad.

• The Art of the Chop: Achieving Uniformity

  The “chopped” aspect of this salad isn’t just a name; it’s a technique that contributes to its unique appeal and ease of eating. Aim for roughly 1-inch pieces for all your solid ingredients – the lettuce, salami, and mozzarella. This uniformity ensures that every forkful contains a balanced mix of flavors and textures, making for a truly satisfying experience. The smaller pieces also make the salad incredibly easy to eat, especially in social settings, honoring its original celebrity-inspired purpose.

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep Smart, Eat Fresh

  This salad is fantastic for meal prepping! You can easily chop all the solid ingredients (lettuce, salami, chickpeas, mozzarella) and store them together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing separately in a sealed jar. When you’re ready to eat, simply shake the dressing well, pour it over your desired portion of the salad mix, toss, and serve. This method keeps the lettuce crisp and prevents the salad from becoming soggy, ensuring a fresh and delicious meal every time.

Customizing Your Kardashian Salad: Variations & Additions

While the classic La Scala Chopped Salad is perfect as is, it also lends itself beautifully to customization. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor with finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), cucumber, or even finely chopped red onion for a sharper bite.
• Different Cheeses: Instead of or in addition to mozzarella, consider provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Crumbled feta or goat cheese could also add a tangy twist.
• Extra Protein: For a heartier main course, add cooked and shredded chicken breast, diced turkey, or even crispy bacon bits.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing or a dash of hot sauce can give it an extra kick.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano, finely chopped, can add an aromatic freshness to the salad.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Options: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the salami. For a vegan option, replace the salami with smoked tofu or vegan deli slices, and use a plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan alternative in both the salad and dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions About La Scala Salad

Can I use other types of lettuce?

While iceberg lettuce is traditional and provides that signature crunch, you can certainly experiment. Romaine lettuce would be a good substitute for its crispness, though it’s slightly less firm. Mixed greens or butter lettuce might be too delicate and could wilt quickly under the dressing. For the authentic experience, stick to iceberg!

How long does this chopped salad last?

When stored separately, the chopped salad ingredients (without dressing) can last for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing can be stored in a sealed jar for up to a week. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately to maintain its crispness. Leftovers might become soggy after a few hours.

What can I serve with La Scala Chopped Salad?

This salad is substantial enough to be a light meal on its own, especially if you add extra protein. It also makes an excellent side dish for a variety of meals. Consider pairing it with grilled chicken, steak, fish, a simple pasta dish, or crusty Italian bread.

Is La Scala Salad healthy?

Yes, this salad offers a good balance of nutrients. Iceberg lettuce provides hydration and some vitamins, chickpeas offer fiber and plant-based protein, and the olive oil in the dressing contributes healthy fats. While salami and cheese add flavor and protein, they also contribute to the fat and sodium content, so portion control is key. Customizing with more vegetables or lean protein can further enhance its health benefits.

Other Salad Recipes You’re Sure to Love

• Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe
• Easy 7 Layer Salad with Homemade Dressing
• Zucchini Salad
• Amish Broccoli Salad
• My Favorite Detox Salad (Chickpea Quinoa Feta Salad)
• Brussels Sprouts Salad (Whole30, Paleo)
• Nicoise Salad
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad