Can I use rotisserie chicken in this salad?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a terrific shortcut, lending great flavor and moisture. Pull or chop the meat just before adding to the salad for best texture.

Is it okay to prepare the salad in advance?

You can prep all ingredients ahead, but keep the dressing and salad separate until ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.

Can I leave out the cheese for a dairy-free version?

Yes! The salad is still bright and satisfying without cheese. Try adding avocado or extra chickpeas for creamy richness.

What’s the best way to chop the romaine for this salad?

Finely chop the romaine into small, even pieces. This isn’t the time for rustic, big leaves—a finer chop means each bite has a perfect medley of flavors.

La Scala Chicken Salad Recipe

Looking for a salad that’s more than just a side dish? The La Scala Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that delivers big on flavor, texture, and satisfaction—without demanding much time in the kitchen. Crisp romaine, juicy cucumbers, protein-packed chicken, nutty chickpeas, a smattering of mozzarella, and a tangy homemade dressing come together in a symphony of fresh, vibrant tastes. Not only is it a wholesome meal you can have ready in 20 minutes, but it’s also versatile, making it perfect for hectic weeknights, impromptu lunches, or casual gatherings. Trust me, this is the sort of recipe you’ll return to again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in Minutes: When dinner needs to happen fast, this salad is a true time-saver. You toss, dress, and serve—no elaborate cooking required.
Flavor Explosion: Between the zippy vinaigrette, crisp veggies, hearty chicken, and creamy cheese, every bite is packed with delicious contrast.
Nutritious and Filling: With lean protein, fiber-rich chickpeas, fresh greens, and healthy fats, it’s a meal that leaves you satisfied—not sluggish.
Customizable: It’s easy to adjust based on what you have or what you’re craving. Swap proteins, add more veggies, or play with the cheese.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether served for family dinner or at a potluck, expect requests for a second helping (and maybe the recipe).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this salad—it relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that shine together.

Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base. Choose sturdy, fresh leaves for maximum crunch.
Cucumber: Adds coolness and extra crunch; English or Persian varieties work best, but you can use your favorite.
Cooked Chicken: This is your shortcut to a protein-rich meal. Deli chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover grilled breast are perfect.
Chickpeas: Lend heartiness and a subtle nutty flavor. Be sure to rinse well for the best taste and texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a creamy, mellow richness. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts right into the salad for extra creaminess.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The backbone of a great dressing, so use a high-quality one for flavor.
Red Wine Vinegar: Delivers a zingy tang that brightens up each bite.
Dijon Mustard: Adds just a hint of peppery heat and depth to the dressing.
Raw Honey: Balances the acidity with a gentle, natural sweetness.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out flavors and adding that final, palate-pleasing touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The La Scala Chicken Salad is endlessly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own:

Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or crunchy carrots add extra color and nutrition.
Switch the Greens: Try arugula, baby spinach, or a spring mix if you prefer different leafy greens.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and toss in extra chickpeas or crisp tofu cubes.
Change the Cheese: Feta or shaved parmesan offer a punchier, saltier twist, while goat cheese brings tang.
Throw in Some Nuts: Sliced almonds or toasted pumpkin seeds add extra crunch and healthy fats.
Make it Grainy: Toss with cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier, grain-based salad.

How to Make La Scala Chicken Salad

Fresh, delicious salad in a flash—here’s how:

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl (or a jar with a tight-fitting lid), combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk (or shake) until completely emulsified. Tip: Chilling the dressing slightly before serving helps the flavors meld.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Finely chop your romaine lettuce for bite-sized pieces. Dice the cucumber, and chop or shred the chicken. Rinse and drain chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess sodium and for a fresher taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, gently toss the romaine, cucumber, chicken, chickpeas, and mozzarella until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the fresh vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything together until the dressing lightly coats every component.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Serve right away, so the salad stays live and crisp. Each forkful delivers juicy and crunchy textures, creamy cheese, and a balanced tang from that lovely homemade dressing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill Your Greens: Pop your lettuce and cucumber in the fridge ahead of time for extra crunch factor.
Warm Chicken: If you prefer, use warm freshly cooked chicken—it’ll slightly melt the cheese for a silky, indulgent texture.
Prep Ahead: Keep your dressing separate until the last minute to keep everything crisp.
Double the Dressing: This vinaigrette is wonderful on any salad. Make extra and store in the fridge for salads all week.
Sharp Knife for Chopping: Finely chopped veggies are key for the classic La Scala texture—don’t rush the chopping step!

How to Serve

This salad stands beautifully alone as a meal, but here are some delicious serving ideas to make it even more special:

As a Main Dish: Serve generous bowls, maybe alongside some crusty bread or pita for dipping up the extra dressing.
Protein-Packed Lunch: Pack in meal prep containers for a nutritious, filling work lunch.
Paired with Soup: It’s a stellar companion to a light minestrone, tomato soup, or a simple chicken broth.
Appetizer Spread: Serve as part of a salad bar or on a big platter for gatherings—just toss with dressing right before serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once dressed, it’s best enjoyed within a few hours so the lettuce stays crisp.

Freezing

Note: This salad isn’t suitable for freezing, as fresh greens and cucumbers lose texture when thawed.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat, but if you like your chicken warm, you can add just-cooked chicken to the chilled salad before tossing in the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this salad?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a terrific shortcut, lending great flavor and moisture. Pull or chop the meat just before adding to the salad for best texture.
Is it okay to prepare the salad in advance?

You can prep all ingredients ahead, but keep the dressing and salad separate until ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.
Can I leave out the cheese for a dairy-free version?

Yes! The salad is still bright and satisfying without cheese. Try adding avocado or extra chickpeas for creamy richness.
What’s the best way to chop the romaine for this salad?

Finely chop the romaine into small, even pieces. This isn’t the time for rustic, big leaves—a finer chop means each bite has a perfect medley of flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a salad that’s not just filling and fast, but genuinely crave-worthy, the La Scala Chicken Salad is calling your name. Let it be your weeknight dinner hero or lunchbox staple. Enjoy the process, don’t be afraid to personalize it, and savor every fresh, zippy bite!