Classic Columbia 1905 Salad

This iconic 1905 Salad brings the legendary flavors of Columbia Restaurant right to your home kitchen. The zesty garlic-oregano dressing perfectly coats crisp lettuce, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and juicy tomatoes for a satisfying meal that works as both a hearty lunch or dinner starter.

I first tasted this salad during a trip to Tampa and became instantly obsessed with recreating it at home. Now it's become our family's go to solution for elevating weeknight dinners without extra effort.

Ingredients

• Olive oil forms the base of the tangy dressing giving it body and richness
• Lemon juice provides bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese
• White wine vinegar adds depth to the dressing with gentle tartness
• Worcestershire sauce brings umami and complexity that makes this dressing unique
• Fresh garlic delivers essential aromatic punch
• Dried oregano adds Mediterranean flavor that defines this salad
• Iceberg lettuce creates the perfect crisp foundation
• Ham provides satisfying protein and savory depth
• Swiss cheese adds nutty flavor and creamy texture
• Cherry tomatoes bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color
• Green olives contribute briny Mediterranean flavor
• Red onion delivers sharp bite and beautiful color contrast
• Croutons add necessary crunch and texture variation
• Parmesano Reggiano finishes with rich umami and salty depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dressing

Begin by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt and pepper in the bottom of your large salad bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The dressing should taste bold as it will be distributed across all ingredients.

Prep Your Ingredients

Shred the iceberg lettuce into bite sized pieces for optimal dressing coverage. Julienne the ham and Swiss cheese into thin strips that will distribute evenly throughout. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juices. Slice olives and red onion thinly for proper integration.

Assemble and Toss

Add all prepped ingredients to the bowl with dressing, working in batches if needed. Toss thoroughly using tongs or salad servers, ensuring every piece gets coated with the flavorful dressing. The proper tossing technique makes all the difference in this salad.

Final Touches

Just before serving, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dressed salad. Add a few grinds of fresh black pepper for visual appeal and extra flavor dimension.

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The star of this salad is truly the unique dressing. I keep a jar of it in my refrigerator at all times for quick meals. My husband actually started requesting it for sandwiches too after tasting how it transforms simple ingredients into something special.

The History Behind The Name

The 1905 Salad gets its name from the year Columbia Restaurant opened in Tampa Florida. Originally created as a tableside preparation to showcase the Spanish Cuban heritage of the restaurant, it became their signature dish. The interactive presentation made it special, but the flavor combination is what made it legendary across Florida and beyond.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad works beautifully for entertaining when prepared strategically. Prep all ingredients up to 24 hours ahead and store separately in airtight containers. Mix the dressing and store refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bring dressing to room temperature, combine everything, and toss just before serving for maximum freshness.

Smart Substitutions

For a lighter version use turkey instead of ham without sacrificing flavor

Romano cheese works beautifully if Parmesano Reggiano isn't available

Greek olives can replace green olives for a more intense flavor profile

For vegetarians omit the ham and add chickpeas or white beans for protein

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty Cuban bread and butter for an authentic Columbia Restaurant experience

Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal

Offer as part of a tapas spread with Spanish tortilla and marinated vegetables

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Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the Columbia 1905 Salad special?

The Columbia 1905 Salad stands out for its unique combination of Spanish-Cuban flavors featuring julienned ham and Swiss cheese, paired with a distinctive garlicky dressing that includes Worcestershire sauce and oregano. Created at Tampa's historic Columbia Restaurant in 1905, it elevates a simple salad into a satisfying main dish that's become an iconic Florida culinary classic.

→ Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually intensify as they meld together. Just give it a good shake or whisk before adding to your salad ingredients. For best results, toss the salad with the dressing immediately before serving.

→ How can I make this salad keto-friendly?

To make this salad keto-friendly, simply omit the croutons as noted in the recipe. The salad is naturally low in carbohydrates otherwise, with only 4g of fiber and 3g of sugar per serving. The high fat content from olive oil, cheese, and olives makes it perfect for keto diets while still delivering satisfying flavor.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients in the 1905 Salad?

Yes, this salad is quite adaptable. You can substitute turkey for ham, provolone for Swiss cheese, or romaine for iceberg lettuce. The dressing can be adjusted by using apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar, or lemon juice only. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add extra vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers.

→ How should I store leftover 1905 Salad?

For best results, store undressed salad components separately from the dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If already dressed, the salad will become soggy after several hours. If you anticipate leftovers, consider reserving some undressed salad mixture and dressing separately before combining the initial serving.

→ What's the history behind the Columbia 1905 Salad?

The 1905 Salad was created at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, which opened in 1905 and is Florida's oldest restaurant. The salad was designed to pay homage to the restaurant's founding year and Spanish-Cuban heritage. It became famous for its tableside preparation and distinctive dressing that blends Mediterranean and Latin flavors, making it one of the most ordered items at the restaurant for generations.