The 1905 Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary tradition born out of history, culture, and simple yet delicious ingredients. Originating at the famous Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, this salad has stood the test of time, becoming a signature item beloved by many. In this article, we’ll explore the story behind the 1905 Salad, how to make it at home, different variations, serving suggestions, health benefits, and answer some common questions about this classic dish.

A Brief History of the 1905 Salad

The story of the 1905 Salad begins with the Columbia Restaurant, founded in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. The restaurant is recognized as Florida’s oldest restaurant, and it is renowned for its blend of Spanish and Cuban influences. The 1905 Salad, however, didn’t appear until the 1940s, when waiter Tony Noriega and chef Arturo Menendez crafted this special dish using ingredients they had on hand.

The salad quickly became a staple of the Columbia Restaurant, with its unique blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients. The restaurant’s atmosphere, the fusion of Spanish and Cuban flavors, and the dedication to quality all helped make the 1905 Salad a symbol of the restaurant’s culinary heritage. Today, the Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad remains an iconic dish that represents the culinary heritage of the region. Learn more about the History of the Columbia Restaurant and how it became a staple in Florida’s food scene.

Ingredients of the Original 1905 Salad

To create the authentic 1905 Salad, you’ll need a few classic ingredients that give it its unique taste. Here is a list of the key components:

• Iceberg lettuce: Crisp and refreshing base.
• Ripe tomatoes: Adds a juicy burst of flavor.
• Julienned baked ham: Provides a savory depth.
• Swiss cheese: Creamy and slightly nutty, pairing perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Green Spanish olives: Salty and briny, contributing complexity.
• Grated Romano cheese: A touch of sharpness that balances the dressing.
• The signature 1905 Salad dressing: A combination of Spanish olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, oregano, and Parmesan cheese.

The selection of these ingredients is crucial to achieving the authentic taste that has made this salad so famous. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and presentation. You can refer to the Columbia Restaurant’s Official 1905 Salad Recipe for more details on their iconic recipe.

How to Make the Signature 1905 Salad Dressing

The secret to the 1905 Salad lies in its distinctive dressing. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Spanish olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, oregano, white wine vinegar, and lemon juice.
2. Gradually add in the Spanish olive oil, whisking continuously to create an emulsion.
3. Add the Worcestershire sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the dressing with the salad just before serving for the best flavor.

The olive oil, combined with garlic and vinegar, gives this dressing its Mediterranean flair and elevates the simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Discover the Nutritional Benefits of Olive Oil to see why this dressing is both tasty and healthy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling the 1905 Salad

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Chop the Lettuce: Start by chopping iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. The lettuce should be crisp and cold to ensure the salad is refreshing.
2. Slice the Tomatoes: Cut ripe tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are juicy and fresh to add the right amount of moisture and sweetness to the salad.
3. Julienne the Ham: Slice the baked ham into thin strips. The ham provides a savory, smoky flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients.
4. Grate the Cheese: Grate the Swiss cheese and Romano cheese. These cheeses add a creamy texture and a bit of sharpness that balances the flavors.
5. Prepare the Olives: Use green Spanish olives that are pitted and halved. They add a briny, salty taste that enhances the salad’s complexity.

Assembling the Salad

1. Start with a large salad bowl and add chopped iceberg lettuce as the base.
2. Add ripe tomatoes, julienned ham, Swiss cheese, and green Spanish olives.
3. Toss the salad lightly to mix the ingredients.
4. Pour the prepared 1905 Salad dressing over the salad.
5. Sprinkle with grated Romano cheese for added sharpness.
6. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness.

 

For best results, chill the salad ingredients before assembling to keep everything crisp and fresh. You can also prepare the dressing in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together for even more depth.

Tips for Perfecting the 1905 Salad

To make the most out of your 1905 Salad, consider these additional tips:

• Chill the Ingredients: Keeping the lettuce and other ingredients chilled ensures that the salad stays refreshing and crunchy.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to the best flavor is using fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes and garlic.
• Balance the Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad to ensure the balance of acidity and seasoning is perfect.
• Emulsify Properly: Make sure to whisk the dressing well until it emulsifies; this helps distribute the flavors evenly.
• Don’t Overdress: It’s important not to overdress the salad. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more if needed to avoid overpowering the fresh ingredients.

Variations of the 1905 Salad

While the original recipe is beloved, there are many ways to personalize the 1905 Salad based on dietary preferences or what you have available:

• Substitute baked ham with turkey or shrimp for a different flavor profile.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat entirely or using plant-based alternatives, such as tofu or chickpeas.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, like feta or cheddar, for a twist on the classic.
• Add avocado for a creamy texture that pairs well with the acidity of the dressing.
• Include red onion or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor complexity.
• For a healthier version, use reduced-fat cheese and limit the amount of olive oil in the dressing.
• Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, making it more filling as a main dish.

Creative Serving Variations

• Wrap it Up: Turn the 1905 Salad into a wrap by placing it in a tortilla or flatbread. Add extra vegetables like cucumber slices or shredded carrots to make it even more nutritious.
• Serve on a Platter: Arrange the salad ingredients in separate sections on a large platter, allowing guests to build their own salad with preferred toppings. This is great for gatherings and adds a beautiful presentation.
• Stuffed Avocados: Hollow out avocado halves and fill them with a portion of the 1905 Salad. This adds a rich, creamy flavor and turns it into an elegant appetizer.
• On Toast: Pile the 1905 Salad on a piece of toasted sourdough bread for an open-faced sandwich. The crunch of the toast adds a new texture that makes the salad more versatile.

Serving Suggestions

The 1905 Salad can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish to complement other meals. Here are some ideas:

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or seafood for a hearty meal.
• Pair it with a glass of white wine or sangria to capture the full Mediterranean vibe.
• Enjoy it with a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato basil or gazpacho, for a balanced and satisfying lunch.
• Use it as a side dish for a Spanish tapas night, where you can serve it with other small dishes like patatas bravas, chorizo, and tortilla española.
• Add crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for extra texture and to soak up any remaining dressing.
• Make it a Picnic Dish: Pack the 1905 Salad in a mason jar, layering the dressing on the bottom, followed by denser ingredients like ham and cheese, and topping it with lettuce to keep everything fresh. Shake it up when you’re ready to eat.

Nutritional Benefits of the 1905 Salad

The 1905 Salad is rich in healthy fats, thanks to the olive oil and Romano cheese. It also contains a good balance of protein from the ham and cheese, while the lettuce and tomatoes provide fiber and essential nutrients. Here are some of the key health benefits:

• Olive oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and support heart health.
• Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, beneficial for skin, immune health, and providing antioxidant properties.
• Romano cheese provides calcium for bone health, contributing to stronger bones and teeth.
• Iceberg lettuce, while lower in nutrients compared to other greens, provides hydration and fiber to aid digestion.
• Green Spanish olives add a good source of healthy fats and vitamin E, an important antioxidant.
• Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and can contribute to improved cardiovascular health.
• Lemon juice adds vitamin C and acts as a natural antioxidant, helping the body detoxify.
• Ham adds a source of protein and B vitamins, which help maintain energy levels throughout the day.
• Swiss cheese contributes both protein and calcium, supporting muscle and bone health.

Nutritional Content of the 1905 Salad

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value*
Calories	120 kcal	6%
Protein	6 g	12%
Fat	9 g	14%
Saturated Fat	2.5 g	12%
Cholesterol	15 mg	5%
Sodium	250 mg	10%
Carbohydrates	4 g	1%
Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugar	2 g	—
Vitamin C	10 mg	11%
Calcium	70 mg	7%
Iron	0.8 mg	4%

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the original 1905 Salad recipe?

The original 1905 Salad recipe includes iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, julienned ham, Swiss cheese, green Spanish olives, and Romano cheese, all tossed with the famous garlic dressing. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination that’s loved for its fresh ingredients.

How do you make the 1905 Salad dressing?

The 1905 Salad dressing is made with Spanish olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk these ingredients together to achieve the perfect emulsion.

What are the ingredients in the Columbia 1905 Salad?

The main ingredients are iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, Swiss cheese, baked ham, green Spanish olives, and Romano cheese. These ingredients, combined with the signature garlic dressing, create a distinctive and well-loved flavor.

Can the 1905 Salad be made vegetarian?

Yes! You can make a vegetarian version of the 1905 Salad by omitting the ham. You can also substitute with plant-based proteins such as chickpeas or marinated tofu.

How can I store leftover 1905 Salad?

The 1905 Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the crispness of the lettuce. Consume within 1-2 days for the best quality.

Can I make the 1905 Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare some components in advance. Chop the vegetables, julienne the ham, and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunchiness.

What are some protein-rich additions to the 1905 Salad?

If you’re looking to add more protein to your 1905 Salad, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or even cooked quinoa. These additions will make the salad more filling and suitable as a complete meal.

Conclusion

The 1905 Salad is a timeless dish that has captivated taste buds for decades, thanks to its blend of fresh ingredients and a flavorful signature dressing. Whether you’re preparing it as a main meal or a side dish, this salad is a delightful nod to the past that continues to bring joy to the table.

Try it at home, and be sure to add your personal twist to make it your own. The 1905 Salad is versatile, simple to prepare, and offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy the rich history and unique flavors of this classic dish!