1905 Salad

 

The Legendary 1905 Salad

A century-old classic from Tampa’s iconic Columbia Restaurant, the 1905 Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a perfect harmony of crisp, salty, creamy, and tangy flavors. This hearty salad is a complete meal, featuring a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and a bold, garlicky dressing that’s famously irresistible.

Why This Salad Is a Forever Favorite

• A Taste of History: Enjoy a genuine piece of American culinary heritage.

• The Perfect Bite: Every forkful offers a satisfying crunch, salty pop, and creamy richness.

• The Star of the Show: The homemade garlic-oregano dressing is simple to make but tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant.

• Effortless Elegance: Impressive enough for guests, yet quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad:

• 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 2 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges

• 1 cup julienned Swiss cheese

• 1 cup julienned smoked ham (or Genoa salami)

• 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, halved

• 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, quartered

• 1/4 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a medium bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously (or seal the jar and shake) until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. For the best flavor, cover and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Prep the Salad Components:
In a large salad bowl, add the chopped iceberg lettuce. Arrange the tomato wedges, julienned Swiss cheese, julienned ham, halved green olives, and quartered artichoke hearts on top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.

3. Assemble and Serve:
Just before you’re ready to eat, drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the ultimate crisp, refreshing experience.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Salad

• For Maximum Crunch: Chill your salad bowl and all ingredients before assembling.

• Make-Ahead Magic: The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance; store it in an airtight jar in the fridge.

• Avoid Sogginess: Always dress the salad right before serving to keep the lettuce perfectly crisp.

• Customize It: Feel free to add shredded chicken, tuna, or crispy romaine lettuce for a personal twist on this classic.