					
										 Share The Yum On Facebook									
																	
										Pin this recipe for later!									
																	
										Share The Yum On Facebook									
																	
										Pin this recipe for later!

Some recipes just feel like home, even before you’ve taken the first bite. This Delish La Scala chopped salad has that easy magic. It’s crisp and lively, a little salt-and-vinegar punch in the best way, and full of small, satisfying bits that make every forkful feel like good confetti. There’s something cheerful about the way everything is cut down to size—ribbons of lettuce, tiny cubes of savory, creamy, briny things—so the dressing can cling and every bite has a little of everything. It’s a salad that behaves like a main character, which I appreciate on the nights when the stove stays quiet and the table still feels festive.

We make this when the week asks for something simple but not boring. I’ll admit, the chopping is oddly therapeutic. I put on a little music and settle in, and by the time I toss it all together, the kitchen smells like bright red wine vinegar and peppery mustard, with a mellow, toasty hum from the oil. It’s sturdy without feeling heavy. It stays crunchy and happy, even if someone’s late to the table because they’re finishing a puzzle or, you know, finding the dog’s missing squeaky chicken under the couch again.

🥗

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…

My husband is the biggest fan, which is funny, because he swears he’s “not really a salad person.” But this one is the exception. On weekends, we’ll make it late in the morning when the sun feels kind on the counters and there’s a playlist of old favorites humming along. Our little one climbs onto the stool to “help,” which mostly means shaking the jar of dressing with enormous pride. The dog loiters by the dishwasher, convinced that a cube of cheese might defy gravity and land beside him. Every so often, a chickpea goes rogue and rolls across the floor like it’s trying to escape. There’s a lot of laughter and silly commentary, and in the end, the salad goes into the big wooden bowl—the one with a scratch down the side from years of use—and it’s all crunch and color and happy clinking of forks. Honestly, it’s the kind of lunch that feels like a good exhale.

Why You’ll Love This Delish La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

– It’s a texture dream: cool, feathery lettuce, creamy bits, a little snap, and that satisfying, gentle crunch that sounds like a tiny applause after each bite.
– The dressing is bright and cozy at once—tangy with a soft, savory backbone that makes you go back in for “just one more forkful.”
– It’s “company-worthy” without being fussy, and weeknight-easy without feeling like a compromise.
– Every bite is balanced, thanks to the chop—you don’t have to hunt for the good stuff, it’s right there on your fork.
– It travels well, which makes it a quiet hero for potlucks, park picnics, or the neighbor’s porch on a warm evening.
– It plays nicely with what you have—perfect for using up the end of a cheese block or the last handful of olives waiting in the back of the fridge.

Slow Moments

The part I love most is the rhythm of it. The board is clean, the knife is sharp, and the lettuce turns into ribbons that drift into a cool mound. The kitchen smells like morning—fresh coffee that went lukewarm five sips ago, a little lemony brightness from something I just zested nearby, and the faint sweetness of sunlight warming the window.

I shake the dressing jar and listen for that little click when the lid tightens—such a small sound, but for some reason it always makes me smile. I taste a leaf after a light toss and nod to myself like some calm person who knows exactly what they’re doing. Music in the background, someone humming along off-key, the dog sighing dramatically because no one has dropped anything in a full minute. It’s cozy, and unhurried, and so wonderfully ordinary.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Keep a jar of the house dressing ready in the fridge—just give it a shake when you need it, and dinner is already halfway done.
– Buy pre-washed, crisp lettuce and pat it extra dry; the dressing clings better and you’re five minutes closer to eating.
– Cube the hearty add-ins earlier in the day (or the night before) and tuck them into little containers. Future-you will be grateful.
– Rinse and dry your beans ahead of time; stash them on a towel-lined plate in the fridge so they’re ready to tumble in.
– If you’re carrying this to a friend’s house, pack the dressing separately and toss it just before serving.
– When you’re tired, choose fewer components—you don’t need everything. A thoughtful handful or two can still feel like a celebration.
– Slow-down reminder: take an extra minute to chop things evenly. It makes every bite feel calmer and more put-together.

Serving Ideas

– A warm, crusty loaf or garlicky toast alongside; the contrast of hot bread and cool salad is unbeatable.
– A simple soup—tomato on chilly days or a light chicken broth when you want whisper-soft comfort.
– For a weeknight, add rotisserie chicken or a few slices of good deli turkey on the side and call it dinner.
– For a lazy weekend, pour sparkling water with lemon slices or a friendly glass of Chianti; both feel right.
– If you’re doing a little spread, add marinated olives, roasted peppers, and a bowl of salty potato chips for a playful crunch.
– Pizza night? This salad is a faithful sidekick, bringing bright bite to cheesy slices.

Tips & Mistakes

– Dry your greens more than you think you need to; I once rushed and ended up with a dressing that slipped right off like a raincoat.
– Aim for small, even pieces. The charm of this salad is getting a little of everything all at once—no giant chunks stealing the spotlight.
– Start light with the dressing. You can always add more, but you can’t un-toss (learned that the hard way when I got chatty and, well, enthusiastic).
– Taste and adjust the balance—if it feels too tangy, a little richness somewhere else brings it back to center.
– Chill the bowl if you remember; cold salad in a cold bowl stays crisp longer. Plus, it just feels fancy in a low-key way.

Storage Tips

– If you’re planning ahead, keep the crunchy base and the heartier bits in separate containers, and dress only what you’ll eat.
– Leftover dressed salad is still lovely the next day if you tuck it in the fridge and don’t mind a softer vibe—great with an egg for breakfast or right from the bowl while your coffee cools.
– Perk up leftovers with a handful of fresh greens or a few crisp add-ins to bring back the crunch.
– Keep any crouton-ish toppers on the side and add them just before serving so they stay chirpy and crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

– Make it vegetarian by leaning into beans and cheese, or add marinated chickpeas and roasted peppers for extra comfort.
– Swap cheeses depending on what’s in the drawer—something milky and soft for tenderness, or a sharper option for a little zing.
– Play with the greens: iceberg for snap, romaine for juicy crunch, a little radicchio for color and a brave, pleasant bitterness.
– Add a handful of fresh herbs—basil in summer, parsley anytime—just enough to scent the bowl without taking over.
– A whisper of lemon zest in the dressing is bright and sunshiney, especially in colder months when you need that lift.
– For a heartier twist, fold in a scoop of a cooked grain you love and let it drink up the dressing for a satisfying lunch.
– If you’re not into something briny, skip it and let the other flavors shine. It’s an easygoing recipe that forgives and adapts.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Absolutely. Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. It keeps the same comforting balance—I often do this for family dinners.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first?

Yes—the peel is too tough. Once it’s gone, the inside is tender and sweet, which is exactly what you want here.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

You can. Drain it well; it’s not quite as bright as fresh, but it brings a gentle sweetness when you’re in a pinch.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down?

Of course. Use a bit less sugar, or try honey or maple syrup. I often adjust depending on the season or time of day.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

That’s fine. You’ll miss a gentle toasty depth, but it remains a warm, comforting dish without it.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

Delish La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe