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La Scala Chopped Salad Sliders with Mini Buns

Experience a burst of flavor with La Scala Chopped Salad Sliders, combining fresh ingredients and savory beef nestled in soft mini buns. Perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners, these sliders are a delightful twist on a classic salad.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1 cup iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup salami, diced
  • 1/4 cup provolone cheese, diced
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 mini slider buns (preferably brioche or sweet rolls)
  • 12 slices of deli turkey or chicken breast (optional for protein)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing the chopped salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of finely chopped Romaine lettuce and 1 cup of finely chopped iceberg lettuce. Mix well until evenly distributed. This step should take about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the diced vegetables: 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of finely diced cucumber, 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup of finely diced green bell pepper. Stir gently to combine. Aim for a colorful medley that should take around 3 minutes to mix thoroughly.
  3. Next, fold in the proteins and cheese: add 1/4 cup of diced salami and 1/4 cup of diced provolone cheese. This step adds heartiness to your salad and should take about 2 minutes. Be careful not to overmix — you want distinct pieces rather than a mushy mixture.
  4. Prepare the dressing by whisking together 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and emulsified. This should take around 2 minutes.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper.
  6. Now, prepare the mini buns. If desired, lightly toast the 12 mini slider buns on a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds a lovely crunch that complements the salad filling.
  7. Assemble the sliders by placing a generous scoop of the chopped salad mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun. If using, add a slice of turkey or chicken breast on top. Close the sliders with the top half of the bun. This assembly should take about 5 minutes.
  8. For a final touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy the sliders while they are fresh, but they can be stored for later!

Nutrition

Keywords: To avoid soggy buns, assemble the sliders just before serving. You can also pre-chop your vegetables a day in advance and store them in airtight containers to save prep time.