Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe – Weight Watchers (WW) Low Point Version

Introduction

Welcome to a healthier take on a beloved classic! The La Scala Chopped Salad is renowned for its fresh, vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. By reworking this recipe to fit into the Weight Watchers (WW) plan, we can enjoy all the deliciousness of this salad while staying mindful of our health goals. This revamped version is not only low in WW SmartPoints but also rich in nutrients, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Romaine Lettuce: Chopped (WW SmartPoints: 0)
• 1 cup Iceberg Lettuce: Chopped (WW SmartPoints: 0)
• 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes: Halved (WW SmartPoints: 0)
• 1/4 cup Red Onion: Finely diced (WW SmartPoints: 0)
• 1/2 cup Cucumber: Diced (WW SmartPoints: 0)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata Olives: Pitted and sliced (WW SmartPoints: 1)
• 1/4 cup Garbanzo Beans: Drained and rinsed (WW SmartPoints: 1)
• 1/4 cup Feta Cheese: Crumbled (WW SmartPoints: 2)
• 1/4 cup Salami: Thinly sliced and chopped (WW SmartPoints: 3)
• 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper: Diced (WW SmartPoints: 0)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley: Chopped (WW SmartPoints: 0)
• 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar: (WW SmartPoints: 0)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: (WW SmartPoints: 3)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: (WW SmartPoints: 0)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste (WW SmartPoints: 0)

Total SmartPoints for Salad: 7 (without dressing)

Instructions

1. Preparation of Vegetables: Begin by thoroughly washing and drying all vegetables. Chop the Romaine and Iceberg lettuces into small, bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber and red bell pepper. Finely dice the red onion.
2. Preparing the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce and Iceberg lettuce. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and finely diced red onion. Toss gently to mix.
3. Incorporating Protein and Cheese: Add the garbanzo beans to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salad. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
4. Preparing the Salami: Thinly slice the salami and then chop it into small pieces. Add the chopped salami to the salad mixture.
5. Adding the Olives: Slice the Kalamata olives and add them to the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Making the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combining the Salad and Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
8. Adding Fresh Herbs: Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top of the salad. This will add a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
9. Serving: Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the salad for up to 2 hours before serving. If refrigerating, add the dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
10. Storage Tips: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: Approximately 150
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 8g

SmartPoints Breakdown

• Base Salad (without dressing): 7 SmartPoints
• Dressing: 3 SmartPoints per tablespoon (adjust according to personal preference)

Tips for Making the Best Chopped Salad

1. Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and nutritional value. Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables will elevate the salad’s taste.
2. Customizing the Recipe: Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. You can substitute different types of cheese or add extra vegetables.
3. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when adding higher SmartPoints ingredients like salami and cheese. Measure out servings to keep track of your SmartPoints.
4. Balancing Flavors: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar can enhance the overall flavor.
5. Meal Prep: This salad is a great option for meal prep. Prepare the salad components in advance and store them separately. Combine and dress the salad just before serving.