Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Ingredients:

Salad Ingredients:

6 cups (450 g) finely shredded iceberg lettuce

1 cup (150 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half

1 cup (150 g) canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained

1/2 cup (75 g) diced Genoa salami or Italian dry salami

1/2 cup (75 g) cubed or shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons (10 g) chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon (5 g) Dijon-style mustard

1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Make the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.

Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and blended.

Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.

2. Build the Salad

Add the chopped iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, garbanzo beans, diced salami, mozzarella, and basil (if using) to a large salad bowl.

3. Dress and Toss

Drizzle the dressing over the salad.

Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.

Serve right away to enjoy its crisp freshness.

Optional Enhancements:

Add sliced pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, or chunks of avocado for a flavorful twist.