The 1905 Salad is a timeless recipe that combines fresh, crisp vegetables with savory meats, tangy cheese, and a bold homemade dressing that’s as unforgettable as the salad itself. Originating from the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, this salad has been delighting diners for over a century. Its unique combination of iceberg lettuce, ham, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, green olives, and marinated artichokes, all tied together with a zesty garlic and oregano dressing, creates a dish that’s hearty enough to serve as a main course yet light enough to enjoy as a starter.
One of the best things about this salad is how it perfectly balances texture and flavor. You have the crunch of iceberg lettuce, the saltiness of olives, the creaminess of Swiss cheese, and the smoky richness of ham, all mingling together in harmony. The dressing, infused with garlic, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar, is what truly sets this recipe apart. It’s bold, tangy, and aromatic, bringing all the ingredients together into one cohesive and crave-worthy bite.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a make-ahead dish for parties, the 1905 Salad is a recipe worth adding to your collection. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and endlessly customizable. Whether you follow the classic recipe to the letter or adapt it to your personal taste, this salad is sure to become a repeat favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- A classic recipe with a rich culinary history.
- Fresh, crunchy, and satisfying without being heavy.
- Homemade dressing that’s quick to whip up yet tastes gourmet.
- Versatile enough to serve as a main course or side dish.
- Easy to prepare in advance for gatherings.
Ingredients
For the dressing
1/2 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the salad
1 head iceberg lettuce, roughly chopped
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 cup Swiss cheese, julienned
1 cup smoked ham, julienned
1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives
1 cup quartered marinated artichokes, halved
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly drizzle in the white wine vinegar while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the salad ingredients
Chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large serving bowl. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and julienne both the Swiss cheese and the smoked ham. Halve the pimento-stuffed olives and quarter the marinated artichokes if they aren’t already in bite-sized pieces. Grate fresh Parmesan or Romano cheese for topping.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
Add the chopped lettuce to the serving bowl, followed by the tomato wedges, Swiss cheese, smoked ham, olives, and artichokes. Sprinkle the Parmesan or Romano cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Dress and toss
Just before serving, drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated in the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately to preserve the crispness of the lettuce.
Tips for Success
- Use the freshest lettuce you can find for maximum crunch.
- Make the dressing ahead of time to deepen the flavors.
- Toss the salad right before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Chill all ingredients before assembling for an extra refreshing bite.
Variations
- Swap ham for turkey or grilled chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture contrast.
- Use provolone or mozzarella in place of Swiss for a milder flavor.
- Substitute red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar for a deeper tang.
Storage
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the undressed salad components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The dressing will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. Always dress the salad just before serving.
Final Thoughts
The 1905 Salad is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the simplest combinations yield the most delicious results. With its crisp lettuce, savory toppings, and signature dressing, it’s a dish that works equally well as a light main course or as a complement to a heartier meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet lunch at home, this salad brings flavor, history, and elegance to your table.
1905 Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the salad
- 1 head iceberg lettuce roughly chopped
- 2 tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1 cup Swiss cheese julienned
- 1 cup smoked ham julienned
- 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives
- 1 cup quartered marinated artichokes halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly drizzle in the white wine vinegar while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the salad ingredients
- Chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large serving bowl. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and julienne both the Swiss cheese and the smoked ham. Halve the pimento-stuffed olives and quarter the marinated artichokes if they aren’t already in bite-sized pieces. Grate fresh Parmesan or Romano cheese for topping.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
- Add the chopped lettuce to the serving bowl, followed by the tomato wedges, Swiss cheese, smoked ham, olives, and artichokes. Sprinkle the Parmesan or Romano cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Dress and toss
- Just before serving, drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated in the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately to preserve the crispness of the lettuce.
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