La Scala Salad has been a Beverly Hills staple for decades, Loved by celebrities, food critics, and salad enthusiasts alike, this iconic dish is the perfect blend of crisp greens, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy vinaigrette that ties it all together. Today, we’re unlocking the secrets behind this legendary salad so you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen.
What makes it so special? It’s all about the perfect balance—crunchy lettuce, salty meat, rich cheese, and a dressing so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a restaurant-worthy salad, this recipe delivers.
Where Did the La Scala Salad Come From?
The La Scala Salad was born at La Scala Presto, a famed Italian eatery in Beverly Hills founded by Jean Leon in the 1950s. Known for attracting Hollywood’s elite—from Marilyn Monroe to Frank Sinatra—the restaurant became synonymous with this simple yet addictive chopped salad.
What started as a humble side dish quickly turned into a cult favorite, thanks to its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Decades later, it’s still a must-order for anyone visiting the iconic spot—but now, you don’t have to book a flight to taste it!
What You’ll Need
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup salami or turkey, julienned (classic La Scala uses salami)
- ½ cup garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- Optional: A sprinkle of oregano for garnish
Dressing Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make the La Scala Salad
1️⃣ Prep the Greens
- Wash and thoroughly dry the iceberg and romaine lettuce.
- Finely chop both lettuces into bite-sized pieces for that signature “chopped” texture.
2️⃣ Combine the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss together the chopped lettuce, salami (or turkey), mozzarella, and garbanzo beans.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified.
4️⃣ Toss & Serve
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss well.
- Optional: Garnish with extra cheese or a sprinkle of oregano for an authentic touch.
Pro Tips & Variations
✨ Make It Lighter: Swap salami for grilled chicken or turkey.
✨ Extra Crunch: Chill your salad bowl before assembling for ultra-crisp greens.
✨ Modern Twist: Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
✨ Meal Prep Friendly: Keep dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.
🥗 Nutritional Facts of La Scala Salad
La Scala Salad is both satisfying and balanced, offering protein from salami and mozzarella, fiber from garbanzo beans and lettuce, and healthy fats from olive oil in the dressing. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 390–420 kcal
- Protein: 18–20 g
- Carbohydrates: 16–18 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4–5 g
- Sugars: 2–3 g
- Fat: 28–30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8–10 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12–14 g
- Cholesterol: 45–55 mg
- Sodium: 800–950 mg
- Calcium: ~20% of daily value
- Iron: ~15% of daily value
- Vitamin A: ~25% of daily value
- Vitamin C: ~15% of daily value
⚖️ Nutrition Highlights
- Protein-packed: Thanks to salami, mozzarella, and garbanzo beans, this salad provides a good protein boost.
- Rich in healthy fats: Olive oil and cheese provide monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
- High sodium content: Salami and cheese add flavor but also sodium, so portion control is key if you’re watching salt intake.
- Balanced meal: With protein, carbs, and fat in one bowl, it’s a complete dish, not just a side salad.
Why You’ll Love It
✔ Perfect Crunch – The finely chopped lettuce stays crisp with every bite.
✔ Bold & Balanced – Salty, tangy, and creamy flavors in every forkful.
✔ Effortlessly Elegant – Looks and tastes gourmet, yet it’s simple to make.
Bring Beverly Hills to Your Table
Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to taste the legendary La Scala Salad for yourself. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of the meal, this salad is guaranteed to impress.
Try it out and let us know—does it live up to the hype? Drop your thoughts (or your own twists) in the comments below! 🥗✨
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