Description
The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad is a vibrant, wholesome, and satisfying salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. This colorful and protein-packed salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a flavorful side dish for dinner, delivering bright flavors and a balanced mix of textures that please every palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Protein and Cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based mozzarella cheese (plant-based)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Seasonings
- Additional sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the cucumber and cut the cherry tomatoes in halves. Finely slice the red onion to add a subtle tang to the salad.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Place a pan over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until it becomes crisp but not burnt. Remove the bacon from the pan and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Adjust the vinegar and oil ratio to balance the zesty and smooth flavors to your preference.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cooked turkey bacon, and shredded plant-based mozzarella cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Final Touches: Taste the salad and add additional sea salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their freshest.
Notes
- Use the freshest vegetables available for maximum crispness and flavor.
- Balance textures by combining crunchy, creamy, and tender ingredients for a delightful mouthfeel.
- Add dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Chop all ingredients uniformly for balanced bites.
- Ensure the turkey bacon is crisp to maintain its texture when combined with fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: chopped salad, turkey bacon salad, plant-based cheese salad, healthy salad, fresh vegetables, easy salad recipe, apple cider vinegar dressing
