Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe
Introduction
Columbia’s 1905 Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines crisp lettuce, savory ham, and rich cheeses with a zesty, garlicky dressing. It’s a perfect quick salad to serve as a side or a light meal, ready in just five minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce (roughly 4 cups cut into 2 inch pieces)
- 1 large ripe tomato
- ½ cup ham (cut into ½ inch strips)
- ½ cup Swiss cheese (cut into ½ inch strips)
- ½ cup green olives with pimentos (leave whole if possible)
- ¼ cup Romano cheese
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or juice from 1 lemon)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 teaspoons oregano
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the iceberg lettuce, chopped tomato, ham strips, Swiss cheese strips, and green olives.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and white wine vinegar to make the dressing.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Start slowly to avoid making the salad soggy.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the Romano cheese over the top and add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing, tangy salad.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
- Try swapping ham for turkey or cooked chicken for a different protein option.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving.
- If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of garlic or oregano in the dressing.
Storage
This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the lettuce. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent sogginess. Reheating is not recommended.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, romaine or a spring mix can be used, but iceberg lettuce provides the crisp texture that complements this salad’s flavors best.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Stir well before using.
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Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Columbia’s 1905 Salad is a vibrant and refreshing combination of crisp iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and green olives, all tossed with a tangy, garlicky dressing enhanced with Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, oregano, and white wine vinegar. Finished with a sprinkle of Romano cheese, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal light lunch or side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce (roughly 4 cups cut into 2 inch pieces)
- 1 large ripe tomato
- ½ cup ham (cut into ½ inch strips)
- ½ cup Swiss cheese (cut into ½ inch strips)
- ½ cup green olives with pimentos (leave whole if possible)
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or juice from 1 lemon)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 teaspoons oregano
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
Topping
- ¼ cup Romano cheese
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, ham strips, Swiss cheese strips, and whole green olives. Gently mix to combine the salad base evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and white wine vinegar until the dressing is well emulsified and flavors are blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Gradually pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently and slowly to ensure all components are coated without soaking the lettuce and other ingredients, preventing sogginess.
- Add Cheese and Season: Sprinkle the Romano cheese evenly over the dressed salad. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste if desired, and give the salad one gentle toss to incorporate the seasoning.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates immediately and enjoy the fresh, savory flavors.
Notes
- For best texture, add the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Ham can be substituted with turkey or chicken for a different protein option.
- If green olives with pimentos are unavailable, plain green olives or black olives can be used.
- Adjust garlic amount according to preference for milder or stronger flavor.
- Can be served as a side dish or a light meal on its own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Colombian
Keywords: Colombian salad, 1905 salad, iceberg lettuce salad, ham and cheese salad, easy salad recipe, fresh salad, garlicky dressing, light meal
