La Scala Chopped Chickpea Salad

Featured in: Simple Home Meals

This vibrant chopped chickpea salad combines protein-packed chickpeas with crisp romaine and iceberg lettuces, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and marinated roasted red peppers. Tangy Italian dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs elevates the dish, while diced provolone and grated Parmesan add savory depth. Quick to prepare and perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it can be chilled to meld flavors or enjoyed immediately for maximum crispness.

Optional additions include grilled chicken or tuna for extra protein, or plant-based cheese alternatives for a vegan twist. Serve with crusty bread or pita chips to enhance the meal's heartiness.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:46:00 GMT
Fresh La Scala Chopped Chickpea Salad, bursting with colorful veggies and creamy chickpeas, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Fresh La Scala Chopped Chickpea Salad, bursting with colorful veggies and creamy chickpeas, ready to eat. | lovelyserena.com

A vibrant, protein-packed salad inspired by the iconic Beverly Hills restaurant, featuring crisp chopped vegetables, creamy chickpeas, tangy Italian dressing, and savory cheese—perfect for a refreshing lunch or light dinner.

This salad reminds me of bright sunny afternoons and easy summer lunches with friends.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • Romaine Lettuce: 2 cups (80 g), finely chopped
  • Iceberg Lettuce: 1 cup (80 g), finely chopped
  • Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup (120 g), quartered
  • Cucumber: 1 cup (110 g), diced
  • Marinated Roasted Red Peppers: ½ cup (65 g), chopped
  • Red Onion: ¼ cup (30 g), finely diced
  • Pepperoncini: ¼ cup (30 g), sliced (optional)
  • Provolone Cheese: ½ cup (60 g), diced
  • Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (30 g), grated
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ⅓ cup (80 ml)
  • Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15 ml)
  • Dried Oregano: 1 tsp
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp
  • Garlic Powder: ½ tsp
  • Kosher Salt: ½ tsp
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ¼ tsp

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, chopped romaine, iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, roasted red peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, provolone, and Parmesan. Toss gently to mix.
Step 2:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
Step 4:
Serve immediately for crisp texture or chill for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.
This La Scala Chopped Chickpea Salad shows off chilled, crisp vegetables coated in tangy dressing, so delicious. Save to Pinterest
This La Scala Chopped Chickpea Salad shows off chilled, crisp vegetables coated in tangy dressing, so delicious. | lovelyserena.com

This salad has become a family favorite shared around the dinner table on warm evenings.

Notes

For extra protein, add grilled chicken or tuna. Substitute provolone with mozzarella or feta if preferred. For a vegan version, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Serve with crusty bread or pita chips for a heartier meal.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, small bowl or jar (for dressing), whisk, chefs knife, cutting board.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 330, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 11 g per serving.

A vibrant bowl of La Scala Chopped Chickpea Salad, perfect vegetarian lunch with Parmesan cheese. Save to Pinterest
A vibrant bowl of La Scala Chopped Chickpea Salad, perfect vegetarian lunch with Parmesan cheese. | lovelyserena.com

This chopped chickpea salad is your quick go-to for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Ask About This Recipe

What makes chickpeas ideal for this salad?

Chickpeas provide a hearty texture and rich protein content while absorbing the tangy flavors of the dressing, balancing the crisp vegetables perfectly.

Can the dressing be adjusted for different tastes?

Yes, the dressing's herbs and acidity can be tweaked by adding more lemon juice, vinegar, or mustard to suit personal flavor preferences.

How can this salad be stored to maintain freshness?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and ideally dress it just before serving to preserve the crisp texture.

Are there suitable substitutions for cheese in this dish?

Provolone can be replaced with mozzarella, feta, or plant-based cheese alternatives for different flavors or dietary needs.

What side dishes pair well with this chopped chickpea salad?

Crusty bread, pita chips, or light soups complement the salad well, enhancing the meal's balance and satisfaction.

La Scala Chopped Chickpea Salad

A vibrant blend of chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and Italian dressing for a refreshing light meal.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American-Italian

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat, Wheat-Free

What You Need

Salad

01 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
02 2 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped
03 1 cup iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
04 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
05 1 cup cucumber, diced
06 ½ cup marinated roasted red peppers, chopped
07 ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
08 ¼ cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional)
09 ½ cup provolone cheese, diced
10 ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Dressing

01 ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
03 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
07 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
08 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How To Make It

Step 01

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, romaine, iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, provolone, and Parmesan. Toss gently to combine.

Step 02

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.

Step 03

Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 04

Serve: Serve immediately to preserve crispness, or refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk from provolone and Parmesan cheeses.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 330
  • Lipids: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 11 g