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La Scala Chopped Salad

A crunchy, tangy salad with beef salami and feta that's perfect as a main or side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 head Crisp lettuce (romaine or iceberg), chopped Romaine gives more bite; iceberg offers extra crunch.
  • 8 oz beef salami, diced Beef salami works well; can substitute with cooked turkey ham or beef bacon.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved Grape tomatoes are fine too.
  • 1 medium Cucumbers, diced English or Persian keep the salad less watery.
  • 1/4 medium Red onion, finely chopped Soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want less bite.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini peppers, sliced Substitute with mild banana peppers if heat is a concern.
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced Black olives can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled Goat cheese is a creamier alternative.

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Extra virgin for flavor.
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar Lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Helps emulsify the dressing.
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Wash and dry the lettuce, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add diced beef salami, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl.
  • Scatter sliced pepperoncini and Kalamata olives over the salad. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top.

Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and several grinds of black pepper until the dressing is combined and slightly emulsified.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly so every ingredient is coated.
  • Serve immediately to preserve crunch and enjoy.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep dressing separate if you anticipate storing for more than a few hours to avoid soggy lettuce. This salad is best served cold; do not reheat.
Keyword Chopped Salad, Healthy Salad, No-Cook Recipe, Potluck Salad, Tangy Salad