Bring a taste of Florida’s iconic Columbia Restaurant into your kitchen with this copycat 1905 Salad recipe. Crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and briny green olives come together in a zesty garlic and oregano wine vinaigrette. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect as a light lunch or side dish. Whether you’ve visited the Columbia Restaurant or you’re discovering this classic for the first time, this salad is a timeless favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Why You’ll love this recipe:
- A Taste of Tradition: Inspired by the iconic Columbia Restaurant, this salad brings a slice of Florida history and Cuban flavor right to your table.
- Fresh and Flavorful: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and briny olives are tossed in a zesty garlic and oregano vinaigrette—it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, this no-fuss recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, light lunches, or a standout side dish.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it as a refreshing appetizer, a hearty main dish, or a side for gatherings. It’s customizable and loved by all!
Ingredient Notes:
- Iceberg Lettuce: The crisp, refreshing base that gives this salad its signature crunch. Chill it before serving for maximum freshness.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work best for their sweet flavor and juicy pop. Halve them for even bites.
- Ham: Thinly sliced baked ham adds a savory, salty bite. Use a high-quality deli ham for the best flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: A mild, nutty cheese that pairs perfectly with the dressing. Shred or thinly slice for an even distribution.
- Green Spanish Olives: Briny and tangy, these bring a unique Cuban-inspired flavor. Look for pimento-stuffed olives for a traditional touch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami finish when freshly grated over the top.
- Garlic-Oregano Wine Vinaigrette: A zesty dressing made with olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. It ties all of the flavors together beautifully.
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Elevates the dish with just the right amount of spice and boldness.
Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:
- How to Make Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain gluten. Ensure deli ham and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- How to Make Dairy-Free: Swap the Swiss and Parmesan cheeses for dairy-free alternatives, like vegan shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar savory finish.
- How to Make Vegetarian: Replace the ham with chickpeas, marinated artichokes, or roasted red peppers for a hearty, meat-free option.
- How to Make Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium ham, reduce the olives, and add more fresh vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- How to Make Vegan: Follow the dairy-free and vegetarian swaps. Use a vegan Worcestershire sauce and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or vegan bacon bits for flavor.
Tips & Recipe Notes:
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prep the salad ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just toss everything together and drizzle with the dressing.
- Let it Rest: For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes after tossing to allow the dressing to soak into the ingredients.
- Customize the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier vinaigrette, add a bit more white wine vinegar or an extra squeeze of lemon juice. For a milder version, use less garlic or a touch of honey to balance the flavors.
- Make it a Meal: To turn this salad into a main dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein on top.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor, grate your own Parmesan cheese right before serving. Pre-grated cheese can be more powdery and less flavorful.
- Storage: The salad is best served immediately, but if you need to store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate. This will help maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
More Salad Recipes You Will Love:
- Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad with Garlic Croutons
- Chickpea, Brown Rice, & Spinach Salad with Garlic & Herb Dressing
- Spring Pea & Prosciutto Pasta Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
- Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Bacon & Gorgonzola Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Fig Jam Dressing
- Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Cinnamon Balsamic Dressing
- Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Honey Cinnamon Dijon Dressing
- Smoked Salmon, Goat Cheese, and Avocado Brunch Salad with Creamy Garlic Dill Dressing
- Portillo’s Chopped Salad
- Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing
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Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
Bring a taste of Florida’s iconic Columbia Restaurant into your kitchen with this copycat 1905 Salad recipe. Crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and briny green olives come together in a zesty garlic and oregano wine vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head iceburg lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 rib celery thinly sliced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup thick cut ham sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese freshly grated
Garlic Oregano Wine Vinaigrette
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced celery, freshly grated Swiss cheese, sliced ham, sliced green olives, and Parmesan cheese.
Make the Garlic Oregano Wine Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue whisking until the dressing is well combined.
Toss the Salad:
- Drizzle the garlic oregano vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serve:
- Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls, and garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- How to Make Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain gluten. Ensure deli ham and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- How to Make Dairy-Free: Swap the Swiss and Parmesan cheeses for dairy-free alternatives, like vegan shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar savory finish.
- How to Make Vegetarian: Replace the ham with chickpeas, marinated artichokes, or roasted red peppers for a hearty, meat-free option.
- Storage: The salad is best served immediately, but if you need to store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate. This will help maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
Nutrition
Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 10.8gProtein: 13.8gFat: 38.8gSaturated Fat: 9.6gCholesterol: 39.5mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1.6g
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