La Scala Chopped Salad tweaked

Wanted to make a healthy birthday lunch for a friend and been hearing about a Famous La Scala Chopped Salad in Beverly Hills.  I tweaked it by replacing the head lettuce with Romaine, although I think Napa cabbage keeps a good crunch.  I don't mind a salad that has a good ratio of greens to toppings and has good protein, otherwise what's the point? :-)   This is an easy no fuss salad that comes together quickly and good at room temperature.

 Ingredients

Salad:

  • 1 head Romaine or napa cabbage rinsed and finely chopped
  • 1 ⁄4 pound Italian salami julienned
  • 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 15 1/2 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and well-drained
  • Handful or two of sliced almonds

Dressing:

  • ⅓ C extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 C red wine vinegar
  • 2 t Dijon mustard or 1 t dried Chinese mustard
  • 1/2 t salt and pepper
  • 1/4 C grated pecorino Romano cheese

 Directions

  • Dressing - In a mixing bowl, combine oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper to taste; whisk until well blended store in a mason jar.
  • Salad - In large salad bowl, combine shredded greens on the bottom.
  • Add a line of sliced salami, mozzarella, sliced almonds and garbanzo beans.
  • Toss with vinaigrette to coat well.
  • Finish with more pecorino and salt and black pepper to taste.