Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian Chopped Salad will give your favorite restaurant’s version a run for its money! Loaded with crisp lettuce, tangy olives, garbanzo beans, hearty meats, and plenty of cheese, it’s topped with a homemade tahini vinaigrette that adds a unique Middle Eastern twist. Serve it solo or with your favorite sides for a healthy meal that will knock everyone’s socks off.

What Is the History of Italian Chopped Salad? 

Also known as a La Scala chopped salad, the original Italian chopped salad recipe was created in the late 1950s by Jean Leon at Ritzy La Scala, his restaurant in Beverly Hills. A well-known upscale establishment, Leon’s restaurant was known for serving the Hollywood elite. 

As a result, it is said that the salad was born out of a need to accommodate the well-dressed diners. So, in an effort to make salad easier and less messy to eat, it was chopped into tiny pieces. 

Regardless of whether this origin story is true, the salad quickly exploded in popularity and became a staple in celebrity diets. Today, the restaurant is still serving its original Italian chop salad, and the recipe remains wildly popular across the United States! 

What Is This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe Made Of? 

For our homemade chopped Italian salad recipe, we stuck to the original basic ingredients and added a slight twist for a hint of Mediterranean flare! Here’s what you need:  

For the Salad

• Lettuce – This forms the base of the salad. Romaine lettuce is best, but any greens you like can be used. 
• Olives – Briny and full of healthy fats, these add a satisfying zing of flavor. 
• Tomatoes – We recommend using grape tomatoes because they have a sweeter flavor and sturdier texture than larger tomato varieties. 
• Garbanzo Beans – Also known as garbanzo beans, these add some plant-based protein to the salad. 
• Pepperoncini – Sweet, mild peppers that are often served pickled. 
• Artichoke Hearts – Find these in the canned vegetable section of your local grocery store. 
• Cucumber – Use burpless cucumbers with small seeds and thin skin like English or Persian cucumbers. 
• Red Onion – Slice them super thinly. 
• Meat – Include beef salami or summer sausage for a salty, hearty protein source that transforms this salad into a meal. 
• Cheese – For the best results, use fresh parmesan cheese, and grate it yourself. Feel free to omit it completely to make this Italian chop salad dairy-free.  
• Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a hint of peppery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rest of the ingredients. 

For the Dressing

• Tahini – Not found in your typical Italian chopped salad recipe, we love the earthy, nutty flavor that tahini adds! 
• Olive Oil – Used to form the base of the dressing. 
• Red Wine Vinegar – Adds a sweet, sharp taste that cuts through the heaviness of the fats. 
• Dijon Mustard – Make sure it’s Dijon and not yellow mustard! 
• Seasonings – Dried oregano, salt, and pepper create a savory taste. 
• Garlic – Whole, fresh cloves work best. 
• Lime Juice – Just a squeeze helps add a hint of citrus that creates a refreshing taste. 

Slice, Combine, Eat! How to Make the Best Chopped Italian Salad Recipe

This salad comes together in a matter of minutes and couldn’t be any easier to make! 

1. Prepare the Dressing. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. 
2. Combine the Salad. Add all the salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl. 
3. Serve. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss to combine and coat the ingredients. Enjoy right away! 

Flavor Variations

There are endless variations on the classic Italian chop salad. So, feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own! 

• Cheese – Swap out the parmesan for fresh mozzarella or provolone. 
• Herbs – Replace the parsley with fresh basil or cilantro instead. 
• Protein – Add to or replace the protein with options like grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or hard-boiled eggs. 
• Extras – Boost the flavor even more with the addition of ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, nuts, seeds, or croutons. 
• Dressing – Replace the dressing with any other store-bought or homemade version you like best. 

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a complete, filling meal on its own. However, if you’re feeding a large crowd or want to really go all out, try pairing it with any number of sides, appetizers, and main courses like: 

• Minestrone Soup
• Cheesy Garlic Knots
• Warm Italian Pasta Salad
• Marinated Tomatoes and Feta Dip

Common Questions About This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

More Satisfying Salad Recipes

Searching for more savory salads? We have you covered with these super simple salads that are chock-full of flavor.  

• Southwest Chicken Salad
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Easy Shirazi Salad
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad in a Jar