Chopping spree

It has always mystified us that the simple act of chopping ingredients transforms a salad from ho hum to yum yum -- but we’re believers. Long live the chopped salad!

Polo Lounge

The McCarthy salad features three types of lettuce with chunks of grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, hard boiled eggs, crispy bacon and beets in a creamy balsamic dressing. We like it best on the tree-shaded brick patio, where the people watching is always choice.

* McCarthy Salad, $22; 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 276-2251.

Border Grill

The Border Grill’s Mexican Chopped is a colorful assemblage of romaine, roasted corn, pinto beans, avocado, tomato, granny smith apples and some other goodies finished in a tangy cumin vinaigrette. Save room for the desserts such as key lime cheesecake.

* Mexican chopped, $12.50 at lunch; 1445 4th St., Santa Monica, (310) 451-1655.

Firefly Bistro

The brand-new midsummer menu at this South Pasadena charmer features a “Three Heart” chopped salad made with grilled hearts of romaine, hearts of palm, and deep fried, cornmeal battered artichoke hearts, as well as some non-heart ingredients, including spinach and grilled asparagus. Finished with a green goddess vinaigrette, it is served just warm.

* “Three Heart” chopped, $8; 1009 El Centro St., South Pasadena, (626) 441-2443.

Jar

For her modern American chop house, chef Suzanne Tracht came up with a suitably modern version of the classic chopped salad. The crunch comes courtesy of fennel, carrot, celery and cabbage. Then there’s the salt factor: green olives, crumbled feta and ribbons of Parma ham. Add chunks of moist chicken and an oregano flecked vinaigrette and you’ve got one of the best salads in town.

* Chopped salad, $10; 8225 Beverly Blvd., L.A. (323) 655-6566.

La Scala

If “The Godfather” were reset in sunny Southern California, this is where the guys would do lunch. They’d park in one of the dark red booths and order chopped salads. In fact, this salad, a filling affair made with garbanzo beans and liberal amounts of flavorful Italian salami and mozzarella cheese, is considered by many to be L.A.’s definitive chopped.

* Chopped salad, $10.50 at lunch; 434 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 275-0579.