How to Make the Famous La Scala Salad Easily

There's something irresistibly appealing about a salad that is luxurious yet unadorned. That is precisely what the La Scala Salad is all about. Having originated in a classic Beverly Hills eatery, this salad swept the culinary world off its feet not only in the United States, but right here in Canada as well. No matter if you're in Toronto, Vancouver, or a quaint Nova Scotia town, this salad's zesty, savory goodness is only a kitchen away.

In this blog, we'll walk you through everything La Scala Salad: where it came from, why everyone loves it, and, most crucially, how to make it in your own kitchen with simple, readily available ingredients. And, yes, we'll even share some secrets to make it your own.

How the La Scala Salad Came to Be

Before we dive into the "how-to," let's take a bite into the "why." The La Scala Salad was made famous by La Scala, one of Beverly Hills' most famous Italian restaurants, and a frequent celebrity haunt. The salad was created by Jean Leon, the founder of the restaurant, and became a staple on the menu almost immediately because of the unique combination of chopped greens, crunchy elements, and a very boldly tangy vinaigrette.

But what truly sets this salad apart is how easy it is. It employs simple ingredients you likely already have on hand: lettuce, salami, cheese, chickpeas yet it has the flavor of a trendy bistro's dish.

Why Canadians Love It Too

Canadian cuisine is all about fresh, comforting food that doesn't require hours to make. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, clean eating, and relaxed preparation methods, the La Scala Salad is in your wheelhouse. And it's hugely versatile, to boot: whether you're browsing a Toronto farmer's market or grabbing ingredients at a small Halifax grocery store, this salad is well within your reach.

Also, it’s great for all seasons. In summer, it’s refreshing. In winter, it’s hearty enough to stand alone. And if you’re hosting dinner? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You'll Need

This is what you'll be using to prepare the original La Scala Salad:

Salad:

• 1 chopped head of romaine lettuce

• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chopped very finely

• 1/2 cup drained and rinsed chickpeas

• 1/2 cup julienned or fine chopped salami

• 1/2 cup shredded or cubed mozzarella cheese (provolone or Parmesan may be used instead)

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 minced garlic clove

• Salt and black pepper, tasting

• Optional: Oregano or Italian seasoning sprinkled over for added flavor

These ingredients produce the ideal combination of creamy, tangy, and savory, the very stuff that makes the La Scala Salad so legendary.

Step-by-Step: Preparation of the La Scala Salad

Let's simplify it into simple, easy steps.

Step 1: Chop Your Greens

Begin by dicing the iceberg and romaine lettuces into thin strips. The chopped consistency is just one of the ways that the La Scala Salad stands out. This is no leafy, fork-twirling experience, but rather one that's spoon-or fork-worthy with every bite full of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Add-ins

Cut your salami into small bite-sized pieces. You don't want large pieces here; you want everything to be distributed evenly. Cut your cheese the same way. Drain your chickpeas well and dry them off.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until totally emulsified. Taste it-if too acidic, add a bit more oil. Too dull? Add a bit more salt or a dash of oregano.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Mix your greens, chickpeas, salami, and cheese in a large salad bowl. Toss the salad with dressing, then cover it all over with the dressing. Serve at once or keep in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes for that hint of marinade flavor.

Making It Your Own: Substitutions & Additions

What is wonderful about the La Scala Salad is that it is so versatile. Although the original recipe is almost perfect, here are some ways you can adjust it to your taste or dietary requirements:

Vegetarian Version

Skip the salami and add roasted red peppers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost.

Vegan Version

Replace with vegan cheese and skip the meat altogether. Top with crunchy cucumber or roasted chickpeas for added protein.

Gluten-Free Friendly

Good news: this salad is gluten-free in its natural state! Just make sure your mustard and any added ingredients are not containing gluten.

Protein Boost

Want to make a full meal? Top it off with grilled chicken breast, tuna, or with a poached egg.

Serving Tips for Canadians

If you're entertaining, the salad goes extremely well with grilled meats or seafood ideal for a summer day barbecue. During winter, have warm garlic bread or soup for a hearty, comforting meal.

Some of these pairings could be used effectively in a Canadian environment:

• East Coast: Serve it with a bowl of hearty seafood chowder.

• West Coast: Top with grilled wild salmon

• Prairies: Pair it with a slice of quality multigrain bread and a wheat ale

• Quebec: Serve with a light onion tart or rustic vegetable soup

La Scala Salad Tips for the Best Experience

• Chop very finely: The finer you chop the toppings and lettuce, the more taste per bite.

• Use quality olive oil: Because the dressing is so basic, quality ingredients matter.

• Don't overdress: Begin with half of the dressing, toss, and taste. Add more if necessary.

• Make ahead: Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, but reserve the dressing until you are ready to serve.

Saving Leftovers This salad is best served immediately, but leftovers will remain fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or so, the lettuce beginning to wilt a little. If you have it for more than a day, store the ingredients separately and toss just before serving.

A Salad That's More Than Greens At first glance, the La Scala Salad can appear to be just another chopped salad. But the moment you take a bit of crunchy lettuce, creamy cheese, salty salami, nutty chickpeas, and that spicy dressing you realize it's so much more. It's an attitude salad, one that's sophisticated without being pretentious, trendy without being trendy for the moment. In a food culture that's filled with over-the-top fare and fads, the La Scala Salad remains refreshingly simple. And that's exactly why it's so memorable.

Try It at Home and Share It!

Now that you've got the hang of making this classic salad, we invite you to give it a go at home! Whether it's a quiet afternoon lunch on a drizzly day or the star of your next dinner party, the La Scala Salad is sure to impress. If you give this recipe a try, don't forget to tag us on Instagram. We'd love to see your delicious creations! Bon appétit, or as we call it here.Happy munching!