Description
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and flavor-packed dish combining fresh romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, smoky turkey bacon, tender smoked turkey slices, and creamy plant-based cheese. This refreshing and hearty salad is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect as a light meal or stunning side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or basil), finely chopped
Protein and Cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 6 oz smoked turkey slices, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup creamy plant-based cheese, crumbled or cubed
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce. Chop the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Place all chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl to form the base of the salad.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until it is crisp and golden. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels, then roughly chop it into smaller pieces suitable for mixing through the salad.
- Add Smoked Turkey Slices and Cheese: Slice the smoked turkey slices into thin ribbons for easy bites. Crumble or cube the creamy plant-based cheese. Toss the turkey slices and plant-based cheese together with the veggies and turkey bacon in the large bowl.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil (natural), finely chopped fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is fully emulsified and pourable.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing evenly over the chopped salad. Toss gently yet thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use crisp, freshly washed vegetables for the best texture and taste.
- Cook turkey bacon until crisp but avoid burning for ideal flavor.
- Adjust the apple cider vinegar and olive oil ratio in the dressing according to your taste preference.
- Chop all ingredients uniformly so each bite blends flavors perfectly.
- Serve the salad fresh to preserve crispness and vibrant textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Chopped Salad, Smoked Turkey, Plant-Based Cheese, Fresh Vegetables, Quick Salad
