Salad Days – The Classic Chopped Salad
If you have ever been to La Scala in Beverly Hills you know just how perfect a salad can be. If you haven’t been fortunate enough to visit there yet, we have good news. We have the recipe for the best chopped salad ever made! Now I will admit that I am partial because I have so many fond memories of good times at La Scala…regular lunches with my former boss and dear work friends, lunch to celebrate after each of my daughters (and their then fiances) registered for wedding gifts, lunch for my mother’s birthday…many sweet memories.
But don’t just take my word. Their chopped salad is arguably one of the best salads anywhere. You could ask any of their loyal customers who have been enjoying meals there since they opened their doors in 1956.
Those who have enjoyed the food and no doubt one of their famous salads include the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio, Julia Roberts, Val Kilmer, Elizabeth Taylor and many others of the Hollywood old guard. The big, cushy, red leather booths just make you feel like you are a part of old Hollywood. But comfortable, nostalgic booths don’t keep restaurants in business for well over a half a century….great food does. There is nothing complicated or sophisticated about this salad. It is just a fresh, clean, straight forward salad….and that’s why people love it. I am sure that is why you will love it as well 🙂
The restaurant gives diners the option of adding tomatoes, cucumbers, turkey or chicken, so you can feel free to make these additions as well. This is the basic recipe that was first given many years ago in the Los Angeles Times SOS column. It is just as good now as it was way back then….enjoy 🙂
Leon Chopped Salad from La Scala’s Beverly Hills
2 Heads of lettuce, finely chopped….Romaine and Iceberg
1/4 Pound Salami julienne
1/4 pound Mozzarella shredded
1 15oz. can garbanzo beans, drained
Kalamata pitted olives (1 for the top of each salad)
Dressing:
1/4 cup oil
2 Tablespoons Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt and fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Toss all together…. Serves 6
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LOVE this! Thanks so much for sharing!!! pj
mmm…love a good chopped salad. my favorite is chopped mesclun mix w blue cheese *and* blue cheese dressing mixed in, with broccoli, cauliflower, dried cranberries and cucumbers!
your mom looks great! is this a recent picture?
Yes…La Scala was where we celebrated her birthday last month. She is pretty amazing. Came to lunch in her black leather pants and red leather jacket…she is 82 years young and still very hip as far as her wardrobe is concerned 🙂
I also love this chopped salad.
I loved the chopped salad at Guido’s, too. [Guido’s, in Malibu, is closing.]
This sounds so good. I love a salad that is interesting in each bite, not just soggy lettuce at the bottom. I always order the Diane salad, a version of Chinese chicken salad, at Green Street Restaurant in Pasadena.
I found this blog looking for a recipe for the dressing. I So loved it as a kid and wanted to make it for my family. But what strikes me the most is all I can think is that I know your mother. I have met her. I am sure. But I just cannot place it and it is driving me crazy!
Hi Kimberly…I’m sure you have met my mother. She is Dorthy Eccles…Robin Eccles mother-in-law and I am Robin’s sister-in-law. We have known Heidi (Embleton) since she was about 12 years old….such a small world isn’t it? So glad you asked. Enjoy the salad 🙂
made this for sunday dinner for my family- all agreed that “it’s a keeper”. Thank you for sharing this great recipe- served it with a roast of pork!!!
Hi Beth: We’re thrilled that your family enjoyed this salad as much as ours do….thanks for letting us know!