La Scala Bean Salad Recipe
The La Scala Bean Salad is a vibrant mix of garbanzo beans, crisp romaine, mozzarella, and zesty red wine vinaigrette. Perfectly chopped for balanced flavors, it’s a light yet satisfying dish ideal for lunches, dinners, or gatherings.
La Scala Bean Salad
La Scala Bean Salad is a timeless Italian-American dish made famous by the La Scala boutique restaurant in Beverly Hills, where it’s been a celebrity favorite since the 1950s. At its core, this salad is a hearty, protein-rich blend of chopped romaine lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas), all tossed in a bold, tangy vinaigrette that brings everything together with an unmistakable punch of flavor.
The standout ingredient is the garbanzo beans — tender, nutty, and perfectly balanced by the salty richness of the finely chopped salami and the creamy texture of shredded mozzarella. The original dressing is a signature red wine vinaigrette, typically made with oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs, delivering a zesty kick that clings to every bite. It’s simple but addictive, making this salad more than just a side dish — it’s the main event.
What makes La Scala Bean Salad special is how it nails texture and balance. Crisp romaine gives a fresh crunch, the beans add substance, and the savory salami adds depth. It’s a salad that eats like a meal — filling, flavorful, and unfussy. The recipe itself is endlessly adaptable, but when kept close to its original form, it delivers a nostalgic charm that feels both classic and current.
Unlike most leafy salads that wilt within minutes, this one holds up beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches, potlucks, or casual dinner parties. The chickpeas act as a buffer, keeping the lettuce crisp while soaking up the dressing without turning mushy. That staying power is part of why it’s remained such a hit for decades.
There’s a reason this salad has endured in LA’s dining scene: it’s fast, bold, and satisfying without feeling heavy. It captures that mid-century California Italian vibe — upscale but unpretentious. Whether you're making it as a light dinner or prepping it ahead for the week, La Scala Bean Salad is one of those rare dishes that’s both effortless and impressive.
Ready to recreate this iconic salad? Scroll down and follow the classic recipe to bring a piece of Beverly Hills history to your plate.
Recipe
A refreshing and hearty La Scala bean salad recipe featuring garbanzo beans, crisp romaine lettuce, salami, mozzarella cheese, and a flavorful red wine vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
- 1 cup diced salami (or turkey/prosciutto for variation)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, garbanzo beans, diced salami, shredded mozzarella cheese, and cherry tomatoes (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, or chill briefly to allow the flavors to meld.
prep time with .
Serves 6 and contains approximately 280 calories per serving.
Italian, American / Salad, Side Dish
Rated 4.9 by 197 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: La Scala salad, bean salad recipe, chopped salad, garbanzo bean salad, Italian salad, vinaigrette salad
Published by: Crisprecipe
Recipe Video
This is a video about La Scala Bean Salad.
Servings
Serving your La Scala Bean Salad recipe is all about presentation and ensuring the flavors remain fresh and vibrant. Here are some tips to serve it like a pro:
1. Chill Before Serving (Optional)
While the salad can be enjoyed immediately, allowing it to chill for 10-15 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors meld together beautifully. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of flavor.
2. Use a Large Serving Platter
Serve the salad on a wide, shallow platter rather than a deep bowl. This ensures the dressing is evenly distributed and showcases the finely chopped ingredients for a more appealing presentation.
3. Garnish for Appeal
Top the salad with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a few halved cherry tomatoes, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts for added texture and color. Fresh parsley or basil leaves also make excellent garnishes.
4. Serve with Accompaniments
Pair the salad with crusty bread, garlic knots, or pita chips for added substance. If serving as a main dish, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top to make it more filling.
5. Individual Portions
For a more formal presentation, serve the salad in individual bowls or plates. This works especially well for dinner parties or events where you want to control portions and elevate the presentation.
6. Keep the Dressing Separate (for Meal Prep)
If you're meal-prepping or serving the salad over time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and ensures maximum freshness.
Tips
Finely Chop Ingredients
The hallmark of a great La Scala salad is its finely chopped ingredients. This ensures you get a bit of everything in every bite, creating a well-balanced and satisfying experience.Use Fresh Ingredients
Opt for crisp, fresh romaine lettuce, ripe cherry tomatoes, and high-quality garbanzo beans. If you're using canned beans, rinse and drain them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and enhance the flavor.Customize the Protein
While diced salami is traditional, you can easily substitute with turkey, prosciutto, grilled chicken, or even chickpea-based vegan deli slices for a vegetarian option.Make the Dressing in Advance
Preparing the dressing a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge and shake well before tossing it with the salad.Balance the Dressing
Adjust the dressing to your taste—add a touch more vinegar for tanginess, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or an extra pinch of oregano for an herby kick.Pair It with a Main Dish
This salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or even a simple pasta dish. For a light summer meal, serve it with lemon herb grilled chicken or roasted salmon.Turn It into a Meal
Add more substantial ingredients like avocado slices, hard-boiled eggs, or roasted vegetables to turn the salad into a hearty main dish.Presentation Matters
Serve it on a flat platter for an elegant look or in mason jars for individual portions during casual gatherings. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan or fresh herbs for a finishing touch.Prep the Ingredients Separately: Chop the lettuce, dice the meat, and shred the cheese ahead of time, storing them in separate airtight containers.
Keep Dressing Separate: Toss the salad with the dressing only when ready to serve to keep the lettuce crisp.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra garbanzo beans or roasted chickpeas for protein.
- Vegan: Replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensure the Dijon mustard is vegan-friendly.
- Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium garbanzo beans and adjust salt in the dressing.
Ingredient Substitutes
Here are some excellent ingredient substitutes for the La Scala Bean Salad to accommodate different tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand:
1. Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
- Cannellini Beans: For a creamier texture and milder flavor.
- Great Northern Beans: Another mild-flavored option that works well in salads.
- Edamame: For a nutty, slightly crunchy alternative.
2. Romaine Lettuce
- Iceberg Lettuce: Provides a crisp texture similar to romaine.
- Spinach or Arugula: For a more tender or peppery flavor profile.
- Mixed Greens: A blend of various lettuces can add visual and textural variety.
3. Salami
- Turkey or Chicken Breast: For a leaner protein option.
- Prosciutto: Adds a salty, savory touch.
- Roasted Chickpeas or Tofu: Great for vegetarian or vegan alternatives.
4. Mozzarella Cheese
- Feta Cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy element.
- Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: For a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Vegan Mozzarella: Perfect for plant-based diets.
5. Red Wine Vinegar
- White Wine Vinegar: A milder substitute that still complements the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a slightly fruity tang.
- Lemon Juice: Provides brightness and acidity.
6. Olive Oil
- Avocado Oil: A neutral, healthy alternative.
- Grapeseed Oil: Works well for a lighter flavor.
- Canola or Sunflower Oil: Budget-friendly, though less flavorful.
7. Dijon Mustard
- Whole Grain Mustard: Adds a bit more texture and a rustic feel.
- Yellow Mustard: A milder alternative in a pinch.
- Vegan Mustard: Ensure it's free of non-vegan additives.
8. Garlic
- Garlic Powder: Use ¼ teaspoon for each clove of fresh garlic.
- Shallots: Provide a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Roasted Garlic: For a deeper, more mellow garlic taste.
9. Cherry Tomatoes (if included)
- Grape Tomatoes: Similar size and sweetness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a chewy, intense tomato flavor.
- Cucumber: A fresh, crunchy substitute.
10. Oregano
- Italian Seasoning: Contains oregano and other complementary herbs.
- Thyme or Basil: For a slightly different, but still complementary, flavor.