If you’re from Florida, you’re probably familiar with the 1905 Salad, a true local favourite! This hearty salad, originally from the Columbia Restaurant, is packed with flavour and has a unique mix of ingredients. It features crisp iceberg lettuce, ham, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, olives, Romano cheese, and an amazing dressing.
So why is it called the 1905 Salad? It’s named after the year the Columbia Restaurant opened its doors. I came across this recipe on TikTok, and after doing some digging, I learned all about its history. The dressing is a standout with its surprising Worcestershire sauce ingredient, which adds a fantastic depth of flavor.
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. For a delicious lunch, try it with rustic tortellini soup or jerk chicken salad sandwiches.
1905 Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp White wine vinegar
- 1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 1 head Iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1/2 pound Ham slices julienned
- 1/3 pound Swiss cheese slices julienned
- 10 ounces Cherry tomatoes halved
- 5 ounces Green olives sliced
- 1/2 Red onion thinly sliced
- 5 ounces Croutons
- 2 ounces Parmigiano Reggiano cheese grated
Instructions
Make the Dressing:
- If you’re serving immediately, whisk together all the dressing ingredients in the bottom of a large salad bowl. Adjust the flavors as needed and set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
- Combine the shredded lettuce, ham, Swiss cheese, cherry tomatoes, green olives, red onion, and croutons in the salad bowl.
- Toss everything together with the dressing until well-coated.
- Before serving, top with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a few cracks of black pepper.
Notes
- For an easier dressing, prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to taste if you prefer a tangier or richer flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 801 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 58g |
| Cholesterol | 81mg |
| Sodium | 1835mg |
| Potassium | 495mg |
How Can I Make the Dressing in Advance?
You can make the dressing up to a week ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients together and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Before using, give it a good shake or stir to recombine any separated ingredients. This makes it easy to prepare your salad quickly when you’re ready to serve.
Can I Substitute Ingredients in the Salad?
Yes, you can customize the salad to your liking. If you don’t like Swiss cheese, you can use another type of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella. If ham isn’t your favorite, try turkey or chicken. You can also add other veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers if you prefer. Just keep in mind that substitutions might change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, toss the salad with the dressing before serving. If you mix the dressing in too early, the salad might get soggy.