Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and thoroughly dry the head of Romaine lettuce. Trim off any tough outer leaves and the core. Using a sharp knife, finely chop the lettuce into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for consistency in size. Place the chopped lettuce in a large mixing bowl.1 head Romaine lettuce
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, rinsed and drained garbanzo beans, shredded Parmesan cheese, chopped salami, and diced hard salami (if using) to the bowl with the lettuce. Ensure the chicken is finely shredded and the salami is cut into small, uniform pieces.1/2 cup cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, 1/2 cup cooked garbanzo beans, 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped salami, 1/4 cup diced hard salami
- Gently add the chopped fresh mint leaves, chopped fresh parsley leaves, and finely diced red onion to the salad mixture. The fresh herbs provide a crucial burst of freshness, while the red onion adds a subtle sharpness.1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- Sprinkle the drained capers over the salad. Capers add a briny, salty element that elevates the overall flavor profile and provides little pops of intensity.1 tablespoon capers
- In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Remember that the salami and capers will also contribute saltiness, so taste and adjust accordingly.1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
- Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly. Add more dressing as needed, tossing as you go, until the salad is lightly coated. You don't want to drown the salad, but rather ensure every bite has a hint of the dressing.
- Once tossed, the Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is best served immediately to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce and the vibrancy of the fresh herbs. You can serve it as a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a main course with some crusty bread.
Notes
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the dressed salad separately from undressed ingredients if possible. If the salad is already dressed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will typically stay fresh for 1-2 days, though the lettuce may lose some of its crispness over time. For best results, store any leftover dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This salad is not typically reheated as it is a cold dish. Freezing this chopped salad is not recommended as the texture of the lettuce and other ingredients will suffer significantly upon thawing.
