The Famous La Scala Chopped Kale Salad Recipe

Grace your kitchen with this vibrant and flavorful Beverly Hills icon!

Inspired by the famous La Scala Beverly Hills Italian chopped salad, in this recipe, we’re using kale because it packs way more nutrients than plain old iceberg lettuce. I’m not saying this salad is life changing, but I’m not saying it isn’t life changing either. Let’s get to it!

With cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella, parmesan, and a red wine vinaigrette, this salad is as vibrant in color as it is in flavor. The acidity from the lemon and red wine vinaigrette perfectly balance the sharp kick of the parmesan and the heartiness of the garbanzo beans and salami, making this the perfect Italian salad. And, if you’re looking to turn this into a complete meal, I recommend pairing this with my Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken. Crunchy, sweet, and just a little bit spicy, it’s the perfect complement to this Hollywood favorite.

Why kale?

Kale is truly the star of so many healthy recipes, and there’s a good reason for it! Sure, crunchy romaine lettuce is classic, but kale really steps it up by packing in more fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. When you’re tossing together a salad that needs to hold up against a tangy, flavorful dressing, you don’t want a wilting, sad lettuce situation. Kale is sturdy enough to handle all the goodness and stays fresh, crisp, and vibrant. Plus, its bite-sized pieces give the salad that perfect, satisfying texture. It’s a winner!

Let’s dive into this amazing famous salad recipe and see what makes it so special!

You can watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram, here!

Ingredients you’ll need to make my La Scala Chopped Kale Salad:

For the salad ingredients

  • 1 head kale ribs removed and chopped
  • 1 15-oz. can garbanzo beans rinsed
  • 1/2 hothouse cucumber peeled and diced
  • 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes quartered
  • 1 8-0z. container ciliegine mozzarella balls halved
  • 1 cup diced aged salami
  • a squeeze of lemon juice
  • grated parmesan

For the red wine vinaigrette

  • 4 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp. dijon mustard
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher sale
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Here’s how you’ll make my La Scala Chopped Kale Salad:

  1. Start by whisking together all ingredients for the dressing, adding olive oil last as you whisk.
  2. Add the kale to a large serving bowl and dress.
  3. Add all remaining ingredients, tossing well.
  4. Divide, serve, and enjoy! Leftover will keep well in the fridge!
Cheese, meat, and cherry tomatoes…what else could you ask for in a salad?

Easy salad meal prep

Okay, if you’re all about meal prepping, this salad is your go-to! Kale is the star here because it keeps its crisp texture for days, making it perfect for those “I need lunch for the week” moments. Just toss the salad in an airtight container (and, pro tip, keep the dressing separate), and you’re good to go. When it’s time to eat, just give it a quick toss and boom—you’ve got yourself a healthy lunch or side dish that’s not only delicious but actually filling. Talk about a win!

This recipe is exactly what you need if you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss addition to your weekly rotation. It’s a simple salad with delicious flavors that will definitely become your favorite thing in the kitchen. And if you’re feeling extra, pair it with grilled chicken breast or throw in some extra protein for a main course that’s ready to go for lunch or dinner. You’ll be set for the week with minimal effort and maximum taste!

More Italian-inspired recipes from The Savvy Spoon!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time for meal prep?
You bet! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Kale is a champ when it comes to holding up in the fridge for a few days, and the other ingredients stay fresh too. Just store it in a small jar or airtight container, keeping the dressing on the side. When you’re ready to dive in, toss it all together for an easy, healthy lunch or quick side dish. It’s a win-win!

Simply skip the aged salami and swap it out for artichoke hearts, grilled veggies, or even a can of chickpeas for a satisfying protein boost. You can also toss in more mozzarella cheese or even some pecorino romano for extra richness and flavor.

While homemade dressing is definitely a game-changer for this salad, you can totally use a store-bought option if you’re in a rush. Look for a tangy Italian dressing or vinaigrette to capture the essence of the original La Scala salad recipe.

Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or a juicy grilled steak would pair perfectly with this salad. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, extra chickpeas or roasted tofu are great options for adding protein.

You can skip the salty salami or opt for a leaner, carb-free protein. If you’re feeling extra light, reduce or even skip the cheese.

Definitely! You can totally swap in fresh mozzarella. Just cut it into small pieces to match the texture of the ciliegine mozzarella balls.

Oh, absolutely! While kale is the star of the show in this salad, you can totally swap it out for romaine lettuce or a mix of crunchy greens if that’s your vibe.

What makes this salad a famous La Scala chopped salad isn’t just its flavor—it’s how it makes you feel when you eat it. There’s something about the combination of fresh, delicious ingredients that leaves you feeling satisfied, but not weighed down. This viral recipe is not only low carb and packed with nutrients, but it’s also an easy recipe to whip up. With its tangy dressing and lots of crisp textures, this delicious salad is sure to become your new favorite!

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you loved this post, I would so appreciate you rating it below and/or leaving a comment! Be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for more recipes and twin mom lifestyle content!

La Scala Chopped Kale Salad

Grace your kitchen with this vibrant and flavorful Beverly Hills icon.
No ratings yet
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients
  

For the salad

  • 1 head kale ribs removed and chopped
  • 1 15-oz. can garbanzo beans rinsed
  • 1/2 hothouse cucumber peeled and diced
  • 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes quartered
  • 1 8-0z. container ciliegine mozzarella balls halved
  • 1 cup diced aged salami
  • a squeeze of lemon juice
  • grated parmesan

For the red wine vinaigrette

  • 4 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp. dijon mustard
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher sale
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions
 

For the red wine vinaigrette

  • Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing, adding olive oil last as you whisk.

For the salad

  • Add kale to big serving bowl and dress.
  • Massage with hands to soften leaves.
  • Add all remaining ingredients, tossing well.
  • Divide and serve! Leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator!
Keyword cherry tomato, cherry tomatoes, garbanzo beans, kale, lemon, mozzarella, parmesan, red wine vinaigrette, salad, salami
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