Step into the glamour of old Hollywood with a salad that’s as iconic as the stars who savored it. The La Scala Chopped Salad, famously dubbed the “Kardashian Salad” due to its recent viral resurgence, is a culinary masterpiece of understated elegance and irresistible flavor. Originating from the legendary La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills, this salad has captivated generations with its deceptively simple yet profoundly delicious combination of crisp iceberg lettuce, hearty garbanzo beans, savory salami strips, and two delightful cheeses, all brought together by a phenomenal house vinaigrette. More than just a meal, it’s a taste of history and a modern-day social media sensation.
Why This Salad Is an Absolute Must-Try
The La Scala Chopped Salad holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers, from celebrities to home cooks. Its enduring popularity stems from several key factors that make it not just a salad, but a truly memorable experience.
Unrivaled Simplicity Meets Savory Perfection
- Effortless Elegance: This isn’t just a simple salad; it’s a symphony of flavors achieved with minimal effort. You’d be amazed at how such a small number of ingredients can create such a rich and satisfying dish. The core components of the salad – crisp iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced salami, tender chickpeas, and creamy mozzarella cheese – are a masterclass in balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that keeps you coming back for more.
- The Magic of Minimal Ingredients: With fewer than ten ingredients total, including the vinaigrette, this recipe is a dream for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The salad itself relies on just four mainstays, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. The homemade vinaigrette, equally straightforward, combines red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. This thoughtful combination elevates humble ingredients into an extraordinary dish, proving that you don’t need a complex ingredient list to achieve profound flavor.
A Dash of Hollywood Glamour and Modern Virality
- Dining Like the Stars: Legend has it that the La Scala salad was originally conceived at the specific request of Golden Age Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland. They needed a delightful yet easily consumable meal that wouldn’t pose a challenge while wearing elaborate awards-show attire or on a quick studio break. Its finely chopped nature made it perfect for elegant dining without the fuss, becoming an instant classic among the Hollywood elite.
- From Silver Screen to Small Screen: Fast forward to today, and this timeless recipe has found a new wave of fame, affectionately nicknamed the “Kardashian salad.” Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, where the Kardashians frequently showcased their love for this specific salad, it has become a viral sensation. This modern endorsement has introduced a whole new generation to its deliciousness, highlighting its enduring appeal and adaptability from celebrity dining rooms to casual home kitchens worldwide. It’s a true testament to a recipe that transcends eras.
Expert Tips for Crafting Your Perfect La Scala Salad
Making a truly exceptional La Scala Chopped Salad involves a few key techniques and considerations. Follow these chef’s tips to ensure your homemade version rivals the original.
- Mastering the Vinaigrette: While a mason jar makes emulsifying the dressing incredibly convenient with its tight seal and easy shaking motion, don’t fret if you don’t have one on hand. A simple bowl and a whisk will work just as effectively. The key is vigorous whisking to fully emulsify the ingredients. This process blends the oil and vinegar into a cohesive, creamy dressing that coats every ingredient beautifully, preventing separation and ensuring a rich, consistent flavor in every bite. Whisk until the dressing is thick and no longer separates, achieving that perfect restaurant-style consistency. For a lighter touch, you can adjust the oil to vinegar ratio, or add a hint of sweetness with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Salami Selection Matters (But Don’t Overthink It!): The beauty of the La Scala Chopped Salad lies in its adaptability. While high-end salami brands like Fra’ Mani or Tempesta certainly offer exquisite flavor, you absolutely don’t need to splurge. More accessible options such as Boar’s Head or Private Selection provide excellent taste and texture that will complement the salad wonderfully. The most important aspect is to choose a salami you personally enjoy. Whether it’s a mild, savory, or slightly spicy variety, ensure it’s thinly sliced or cut into small strips to integrate seamlessly with the other chopped ingredients, contributing to that signature “chopped salad” experience where every bite offers a medley of flavors.
- The Art of the Chop: The term “chopped salad” isn’t just a name; it’s a philosophy. For the La Scala, ensure all your ingredients—especially the iceberg lettuce—are uniformly chopped into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that you get a little bit of everything in each forkful, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The uniform chop also makes the salad easier to eat and aesthetically pleasing.
- Crispness is Key: Iceberg lettuce is chosen for its incredible crispness. To maintain this, ensure your lettuce is thoroughly washed and dried before chopping. Consider using a salad spinner. Chilling the chopped lettuce and other ingredients before assembly can also enhance the refreshing quality of the salad.
- Chickpea Preparation: Draining and rinsing canned chickpeas thoroughly is vital. This removes excess sodium and any canning liquid, ensuring a clean, fresh taste that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Patting them dry slightly can also help the dressing adhere better.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own as a light lunch or dinner, this salad also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or crusty bread. The vibrant flavors make it an excellent side dish for Italian-inspired meals or a fantastic addition to any picnic or potluck.
Explore More Delightful Salad Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful salads, you’re in the right place! Here are more fantastic recipes to inspire your next culinary creation:
- 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
If you loved this recipe as much as we did, don’t forget to leave us a review below. ★ Follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, too!
For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Kardashian Salad (La Scala Chopped Salad)
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
This copycat La Scala salad offers a delightful blend of simple ingredients and rich flavors, making it incredibly delicious and remarkably easy to prepare at home.
Cheryl Malik
Print
SaveSaved!
6 servings
Ingredients
For the La Scala Salad
- 1 medium head iceberg lettuce approximately 1 pound, finely chopped
- ¼ pound salami thinly sliced into strips or small cubes
- 1 19-ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed thoroughly
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Signature Vinaigrette Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to your preference
- ½ teaspoon fresh black pepper adjust to your preference
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes for Serving
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Get Recipe Ingredients
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife or mandoline
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad tossing utensils
- Mason jar with lid or a small mixing bowl with a whisk
- Colander or salad spinner
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by preparing your iceberg lettuce. Place the medium head of lettuce on a clean cutting board. Carefully cut away the bottom inch of the lettuce head to remove the core and stem, then discard it.
- Next, cut the lettuce head in half vertically, creating two distinct halves. Take each half and cut it vertically again, yielding four uniform wedges.
- To achieve the signature “chopped” texture, finely chop each lettuce wedge. First, slice each wedge into long strips, then cut these strips into approximately 1-inch wide pieces. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients in every bite.
- Transfer the chopped lettuce to a colander. Rinse the lettuce thoroughly under cold running water to ensure it’s clean and crisp. After rinsing, drain the lettuce exceptionally well, removing as much excess water as possible, then transfer the clean, drained lettuce to a large mixing bowl. A salad spinner can be helpful here to ensure maximum crispness.
- To the bowl with the chopped lettuce, add the remaining salad components: the ¼ pound of salami (ensure it’s thinly sliced or cut into small strips), the 19-ounce can of chickpeas (drained and well-rinsed), and the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently toss all these ingredients together using salad utensils until they are thoroughly blended and evenly distributed. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the dressing.
- Now, prepare the vibrant vinaigrette. In a mason jar, combine the ⅓ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup of red wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of fresh black pepper, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Secure the lid tightly on the jar, then shake vigorously for at least 30-60 seconds until all ingredients are fully blended and the dressing is beautifully emulsified into a creamy consistency. If using a bowl, whisk continuously until well combined.
- Pour your desired amount of the freshly prepared vinaigrette over the tossed salad mixture. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed to ensure the salad is well-coated but not soggy. Toss the salad again thoroughly to fully incorporate the dressing, ensuring every piece is glistening with flavor.
- For a final touch, you can optionally top your salad with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving. Enjoy your homemade Kardashian (La Scala Chopped) Salad immediately for the best taste and texture!
Helpful Notes and Variations
- For Make-Ahead Meals: This salad is excellent for meal prepping. Prepare the main salad ingredients (chopped lettuce, salami, chickpeas, mozzarella) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make the dressing separately as directed and store it in a sealed mason jar in the fridge. To portion, you can divide the dressing into smaller individual containers. Always remember to give the dressing a good shake or whisk before pouring it over your salad right before eating to ensure it’s well-mixed and emulsified. This method keeps the lettuce crisp and the flavors fresh.
- Ingredient Substitutions & Additions: Feel free to customize your La Scala salad! For a vegetarian option, omit the salami and add extra chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even some roasted bell peppers. If you prefer a different cheese, provolone or finely diced cheddar could work. Some variations include a touch of red onion for a sharper bite, or a sprinkle of fresh basil for an aromatic twist.
- Lettuce Alternatives: While iceberg is traditional for its crispness, you can experiment with romaine for a slightly softer crunch or a mix of spring greens for added nutrients, though the classic texture might change slightly.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 418kcal | Protein: 18g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Total Carbs: 28g | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Net Carbs: 20g | Vitamin C: 3mg | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 844mg | Potassium: 470mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 3mg
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
© Author: Cheryl Malik