Description
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant and fresh combination of crisp vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, tender smoked turkey slices, and creamy plant-based cheese, tossed in a flavorful dressing with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. This salad offers a refreshing, smoky, and creamy delight perfect for quick lunches or light dinners, featuring balanced textures and wholesome ingredients that satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Protein and Cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 6 oz smoked turkey slices, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, diced
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional, for thicker dressing)
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted almonds or walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes evenly to ensure balanced texture and flavor. Thinly slice the red onion for a sharp contrast in taste.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Pan-fry smoked turkey bacon lightly until it becomes crispy but not burnt. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
- Slice the Smoked Turkey and Cheese: Cut smoked turkey slices into thin strips and dice the plant-based cheese into small cubes to add richness and depth to the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and pepper. If a thicker dressing is desired, whisk in a small amount of natural gelling agent until smooth.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine all chopped vegetables, cooked turkey bacon, smoked turkey strips, and plant-based cheese cubes. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients without losing their crispness.
- Add Garnishes and Serve: Optionally sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts on top. Add freshly cracked black pepper if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for best texture and flavor.
- Cut all ingredients uniformly for balanced bites and appealing presentation.
- Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more if needed to avoid sogginess.
- Cook turkey bacon carefully to achieve the perfect crispness without burning.
- Prepare vegetables in advance and store separately from dressing to preserve freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chopped salad, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, fresh vegetables, quick salad
