If you’re looking for a refreshing and colorful dish, the La Scala Chopped Salad is a must-try! This salad bursts with fresh ingredients, making it not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition. Ideal as a side dish or a light meal, it’s a recipe that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the details and prepare this delightful salad together!
Ingredients
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with no cooking time required.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains about 150 calories, 10g fat, 10g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 2g fiber. This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Gather all the ingredients on a clean surface.
- Wash the romaine lettuce and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the cucumber and bell pepper into small cubes.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion.
- Add the olives and feta cheese to the bowl.
- Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute cucumbers with zucchini for a different texture. Additionally, swap feta cheese for avocado or omit olives for a milder flavor. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables!
Serving and Pairings
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. It can also be served alongside crusty bread or as a filling for wraps. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a complementary side dish at dinner.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if necessary, you can add a splash of olive oil before serving to refresh the flavors. This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the texture of the vegetables.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overdress the salad; start with less dressing and add more to taste.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for even flavor and texture.
- Avoid using wilted greens; fresh ingredients are key.
- Don’t skip the salt and pepper; they enhance the flavors significantly.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing to meld flavors.
Helpful Tips
- Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
- Prepare dressing in advance for a quicker meal prep.
- Experiment with different cheeses for variety.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
What can I add for extra protein?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs are great additions to boost the protein content.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for optimal freshness.
Can I use different greens?
Yes, feel free to substitute romaine with spinach, kale, or mixed greens according to your preference.
What dressing goes well with this salad?
A simple olive oil and vinegar dressing works well, but you can also use a lemon vinaigrette or a creamy dressing for variety.
Conclusion
The La Scala Chopped Salad is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, making it a perfect choice for any meal. Whether served as a side or a main dish, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy making this healthy and delicious recipe!
La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients on a clean surface.
- Wash the romaine lettuce and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the cucumber and bell pepper into small cubes.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion.
- Add the olives and feta cheese to the bowl.
- Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
