This 1905 Salad Recipe, inspired by the Columbia Restaurant, combines crisp iceberg lettuce, savory ham, and tangy Swiss cheese with a zesty homemade dressing. It’s the perfect side to serve with a warm bowl of Cuban Black Bean Soup or a hearty Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup for a complete meal.
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The 1905 Salad is a famous dish originating from the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida. Created by waiter Tony Noriega in the 1940s and added to the menu in the 1970s, this salad features a unique combination of ingredients and a distinctive dressing that has made it a renowned favorite.
This salad is great on its own, but if you're craving something more substantial, try pairing it with a Mojo Pork Sandwich or Cuban Ropa Vieja, a slow-cooked beef dish packed with flavor!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavors: The combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory ham, and tangy cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and a quick assembly, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner.
- Versatile: This salad can be served as a main dish or a side, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein, it's a nutritious and satisfying choice.
1905 Salad Ingredients
- Iceberg Lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
- Roma Tomatoes: Adds juicy sweetness to the mix.
- Deli Ham: Offers a meaty flavor.
- Baby Swiss Cheese: Adds a mild, creamy texture.
- Romano Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty finish.
- Green Olives: Brings a briny, tangy element to the salad.
- Salt and Pepper: For added flavor.
The Famous 1905 Salad Dressing
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation for the dressing's rich flavor.
- White Wine Vinegar: Adds a delicious kick.
- Lemon Juice: Freshens up the dressing with a citrus flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the dressing with robust flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a unique depth and umami.
- Oregano: Complements the other flavors.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Lettuce: You can use romaine or a mix of greens if you prefer.
- Ham: Substitute with turkey.
- Cheese: The classic recipe uses ham and swiss cheese, but you can try using provolone or cheddar.
How to Make this Easy 1905 Salad Recipe
STEP 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano until well combined.
STEP 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Chop the iceberg lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl. Dice the Roma tomatoes and add them to the bowl. Julienne the deli ham and baby Swiss cheese, then add them to the salad.
STEP 3: Add the Toppings
Grate the Romano cheese and slice the green olives, then add these to the bowl.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
STEP 4: Combine the Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss the salad gently so all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Recipe FAQs
The 1905 Salad originated at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, created by waiter Tony Noriega in the 1940s and added to the menu in the 1970s.
The dressing includes extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano.
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but it's best to store them separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor.
✔️ DO Chill the salad for a few minutes before serving.
✔️ DO Toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the lettuce.
Did You Like This Copycat 1905 Salad Recipe?
- Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think this Columbia Restaurant salad is amazing!
📖 Recipe
1905 Salad Recipe: Columbia Restaurant Copycat
Equipment
- Large Salad bowl
- Small Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 small head Iceberg lettuce chopped
- 3 Roma tomatoes diced
- 7 ounces deli ham julienned
- 5 ounces deli baby swiss cheese julienned
- ½ cup Romano cheese grated
- 10-12 large pimento-stuffed green olives Queen variety, sliced
- salt to taste
- black pepper freshly ground, to taste
1905 Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- juice of ½ lemon
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped Iceberg lettuce, diced Roma tomatoes, julienned deli ham, julienned baby Swiss cheese, grated Romano cheese, and sliced olives.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly for an even coating.
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Video
Notes
- Lettuce: You can use romaine or a mix of greens if you prefer.
- Ham: Substitute with turkey.
- Cheese: The classic recipe uses ham and swiss cheese, but you can try using provolone or cheddar.
Jami Powell says
Our family loves this legendary salad!