Chef Janine’s Comfort Keto Take on Beverly Hills’ Most Iconic Salad: The Chopped Italian Salad

In Southern California, health has always been paramount, produce is pristine, and salad is an art form. In the 1960s, the prestigious Los Angeles Italian restaurant La Scala, catering to celebrities, became the first to ink the words “CHOPPED ITALIAN SALAD” on their menu.

La Scala is still open and continues to serve its renowned Italian cuisine. Located at 434 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, the restaurant is open Monday – Friday 11:30AM – 10PM, Saturday 12PM – 10PM, and is closed on Sundays.

By the 1980s, culinary visionary Wolfgang Puck elevated this concept to new heights at his iconic SPAGO restaurant, turning the chopped salad into a symbol of Cal-Italian sophistication.

Spago is still open and continues to be a premier destination for California cuisine. Located at 176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, it remains the flagship restaurant of renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. The restaurant is open Tuesday – Thursday 5PM – 10PM, Friday – Saturday 5PM – 10:30PM, Sunday 5PM – 10PM and is closed on Monday.

Chef Janine is bringing you her ketogenic version of this Italian-American classic—a decadent salad originally served for $38 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Unlike traditional salads that can be messy to eat, this Chopped Italian Salad offers perfectly balanced bites of Cal-Italian culinary artistry.

Comfort Keto version of the Chopped Italian Salad by Chef Janine

This salad is a harmonious blend of shredded romaine, iceberg, chopped chicken breast, artichoke hearts, chickpeas, tomatoes, red onions, radicchio, seedless olives, pepperoncini, and mozzarella or provolone cheese. To elevate flavor and texture, I add skillet-crisped chicken skin reminiscent of bacon, and toss everything with a bracing, creamy Italian vinaigrette.

For the gourmet food-loving COMFORT KETO patrons, this salad is every bit as delicious and addictive as the original creation that captured hearts well over 60 years ago.

🌿🥗 Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients

Ingredient	Key Health Benefits
🥬 Romaine lettuce	Rich in fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants
🧀 Mozzarella cheese	High in protein and calcium, supports bone health
🥓 Italian salami	Provides protein and fats for satiety
🥫 Garbanzo beans	Source of plant protein, fiber, and micronutrients
🍗 Chicken breast	Lean protein, promotes muscle repair and satiety
🍗 Chicken skin	Adds flavor and healthy fats when cooked properly
🍅 Tomatoes	High in lycopene, vitamin C, and antioxidants
🧅 Green onions	Supports digestion, contains vitamin C
🌿 Basil	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich
🍷 Red wine vinegar	May support blood sugar control
🧂 Herbs & spices	Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
🥑 Avocado oil mayonnaise	Healthy monounsaturated fats, supports heart health

📊 Key Nutritional Information per Serving

Metric	Value
Calories	400 kcal
Net Carbs	5 g
Protein	28 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	4 g

Overall Health Benefits:

✅ Supports ketosis with low net carbs and high healthy fats

✅ High protein content aids in satiety and muscle maintenance

✅ Provides a spectrum of vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and herbs

✅ Healthy fats from avocado oil and chicken skin help brain and heart health

✅ Antioxidant-rich ingredients support cellular health and inflammation reduction

This Chopped Italian Salad combines classic Italian-American flavors with modern ketogenic nutrition, proving that gourmet dining can be both indulgent and health-conscious. Each bite is a celebration of Southern California’s rich culinary history, now adapted for those seeking health, flavor, and satisfaction in perfect harmony.

Stay updated on when this delicious dish will be on the menu by visiting our website: www.myketopal.com.

Bon Appétit! Chef Janine