You guys it’s New Years Eve, I can’t believe 2020 is finally coming to a close! What a crazy year this has been, no one could have predicted the path this year lead us all on but we made it to the end and I am ready to hope for a better 2021.
I’ve never been the sort of person to make new year’s resolutions, mainly because I’m fairly sure I’d be setting myself up for failure. I do however make agreements to myself to try to do things a bit better, and I’m pretty good about sticking to it… guessing it has to do with the fact that I try to be kind to myself if I mess up.
Today’s recipe is perfect for some “non” new years resolutions as it’s healthy and light and yet is so delish you don’t feel like you are being deprived. This is a “copycat” recipe from one of our favorite restaurants in Beverly Hills, it’s legendary and everyone in LA knows about the La Scala “Chopped Salad”.
Folks in LA have been not too keen as of late with the famous LA eatery as they “jokingly?” put out and invite to host an indoor dining NYE party when cases of Covid-19 in LA have been off the charts and hospitals are over capacity. I thought it was as good a time as any to copy and post one of my favorite recipes of theirs… so we can all eat the salad and STFH.
I modify their recipe by omitting the salami but if you enjoy it you can certainly chop and add it to your salad. La Scala offers the salad with several options for protein including tuna, turkey and the standard salami. I leave them all out of mine and add more chickpeas, tomatoes and my fav in this salad pepperoncini which you can add by request at the restaurant.
I’m fairly certainly their “Leon” dressing also uses canola oil for its neutral flavor but I prefer olive for its health benefits and also traditional Italian flavor.
This salad is so easy and quick to make, I love serving it with soup or a slice of garlic sourdough bread for a filling dinner and then saving the rest sans dressing for lunches. It’s crisp, filling and refreshing and so easy to throw together – this salad has been a staple in our house for years!
Whatever your plans are tonight, or looking in 2021 I wish you all health and happiness and I think you so much for visiting my site and following along! Xo
La Scala Italian Chopped Salad
Ingredients
- 3 heads Romaine Lettuce Washed and chopped
- 1 head Iceberg Lettuce Washed and chopped
- 1 15 oz can Garbanzo Beans Drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
- 1/2 cup Pepperoncini drained
- 1 Tomato Seeded and Chopped
- 1 tbsp Parmesan Cheese Optional for sprinkling
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup Olive Oil
- 2.5 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and Chop your lettuces and add to a large salad bowl
- Wash and dice your tomato and drain your garbanzo beans and pepporcini. Shred the mozzarella cheese
- Prepare the dressing by whisking all ingredients together and adjust seasoning to your taste. (I like my more vinegary)
- Layer all the ingredients on the lettuce and toss, add your dressing and top with parmesan cheese and extra cracked black pepper if desired and enjoy!
