Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe

There’s just something magical about the way Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe brings together crisp greens, savory meats, and a zippy homemade dressing. Rooted in the heart of Florida’s iconic Columbia Restaurant, this dish isn’t just a salad—it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed experience that delivers on texture and nostalgia all at once. If you’re seeking a salad that’s endlessly satisfying and celebratory enough for guests or a solo treat, this recipe is a tried-and-true winner you’ll return to time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each selected to create a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Even with a short list, every item brings something essential to the table, whether it’s crunch, creaminess or that spark of briny flavor.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Delivers a lush, fruity base for the dressing, making everything taste richer and more complete.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and brightness, balancing the oil and waking up all the other flavors.
• Lemon juice: Sharpens the dressing with a burst of citrusy freshness.
• Minced garlic: Infuses the salad with irresistible aroma and a zesty, savory kick.
• Dried oregano: Unmistakably Mediterranean, it gives the salad classic herbaceous notes.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and letting all the flavors shine completely.
• Iceberg lettuce (chopped): Provides unbeatable crunch and a refreshing bite as the hearty salad base.
• Turkey or ham slices (julienned): Adds savory depth—choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
• Swiss cheese slices (julienned): Creamy and slightly nutty, this cheese is key for indulgent shreds in every bite.
• Tomatoes (sliced into ⅛ wedges): Bring juiciness and a touch of sweetness, adding gorgeous color too.
• Green olives (pitted): Briny and bold, their unmistakable flavor defines the signature Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe experience.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing flourish delivering saltiness, complexity, and irresistible aroma.

How to Make Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing

Get started with the heart of the salad—the zesty dressing! In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, pour in the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and oregano. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything until fully blended, or give it a vigorous shake if you’re using a jar. The key is to taste and tweak as you go; if you like it a tad more tangy or garlicky, don’t hesitate to adjust!

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce

Chop up your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized chunks and add it to a large salad bowl. This cold, crisp lettuce is the perfect backdrop for the diverse flavors about to be layered on top. Give it a gentle fluff to create a light, hearty salad base ready for your toppings.

Step 3: Add Proteins and Veggies

Toss the julienned turkey (or ham, if that’s your pick) and Swiss cheese right into the bowl. Next, mix in the juicy tomato wedges and the briny green olives. Every ingredient should be evenly distributed so each forkful is bursting with color, flavor, and texture.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Now for the best part—drizzle your freshly made dressing over the whole salad. Toss everything thoroughly, ensuring all the bits of lettuce, cheese, turkey, and vegetables are coated and shining with dressing. Take a moment to admire all those lively colors and aromas!

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Right before serving, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. It’s a little touch that brings everything together, melting slightly as it lands on the just-dressed salad, and elevates each bite with a savory pop.

How to Serve Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A simple shower of extra grated Parmesan or a scattering of coarsely chopped fresh parsley is all you need for the finishing touch. Some folks love a final twist of cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of extra lemon for extra freshness—it’s entirely up to you!

Side Dishes

This salad is a show-stopper as a main, but it pairs wonderfully with warm Cuban bread, homemade croutons, or a light seafood dish. Serve it alongside grilled shrimp or flaky white fish for an unbeatable Florida-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe in chilled individual bowls for a fancy touch at dinner parties or pile it into a large platter, family-style, for everyone to dig in. For picnics or lunchboxes, pack everything separately and toss just before eating to keep things crisp!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The lettuce may lose a bit of its crunch after a day, but the flavors meld beautifully, making an even more savory bite tomorrow.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe, as the fresh vegetables and cheese will lose their texture. The dressing, however, can be made ahead and frozen separately—just give it a good shake before using.

Reheating

Since this salad is best enjoyed cold and crisp, there’s no need to reheat. If the dressing has thickened in the fridge, letting it rest at room temperature for a few minutes and giving it another shake will restore its consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce is classic for this recipe’s crunch and coolness, Romaine or a blend of sturdy greens will work well if you’d like to experiment—or just use what’s on hand.

Is there a vegetarian version of Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe?

Yes! Simply omit the turkey or ham and double up on Swiss cheese, or add extra veggies like roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for a hearty, satisfying salad.

How can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Mix up the dressing a day or two early and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. The flavors only get better, and you can give it a good shake before pouring it over just-prepped lettuce.

Do I have to use green olives?

Green olives are traditional in Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe for their briny punch, but black olives or even capers will offer a different, delicious twist if you prefer something a little milder.

Can I scale this up for a crowd?

Absolutely! The recipe doubles or triples with ease. Just prepare all ingredients in proportion, toss in a gigantic bowl, and drizzle with plenty of dressing. It’s always a hit at gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, nostalgic, and bursting with flavor, I can’t recommend Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe enough. It’s got everything—crunch, zest, color, and a story worth savoring. Give it a try, and you might just find your new go-to salad for every season!

Print