The Scala Chopped Salad

Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, The Scala Chopped Salad is the perfect dish to brighten your table. This easy-to-make salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare and combines a delightful mix of crunchy vegetables and savory ingredients. It works beautifully as a stand-alone dish or a nutritious side, making it versatile for any meal.

Ideal for casual gatherings, lunch prep, or dinner sides, this salad is designed to please everyone. You can make it ahead of time; just store it in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal that remains fresh and tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s packed with colorful veggies that provide a satisfying crunch.
• The creamy feta and tangy olives add a burst of flavor in every bite.
• It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy days.
• You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients.

What You’ll Need

Gather everything you’ll need for this delicious salad.

For the Salad

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Use low-fat feta for a lighter option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use arugula instead of romaine lettuce.
• Swap chickpeas for black beans.
• Substitute crumbled goat cheese for feta.
• Any vinegar can replace red wine vinegar.

How to Make It

This salad comes together in just a few simple steps.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives together.

Whisk dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

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Toss and serve

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve the salad as a main dish, as a healthy lunch, or on the side with your favorite protein.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, the salad texture changes.
Reheat: serve chilled; no reheating needed.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure to rinse and drain the garbanzo beans to avoid excess moisture.
• Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes after dressing for flavors to meld.
• For an extra crunch, add nuts like almonds or walnuts just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside hearty Mediterranean flatbreads.
• Enjoy it as a light lunch with a refreshing drink.

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