The 1905 Salad first appeared at Tampa, Florida’s Columbia Restaurant and is one of the signature dishes of the house which has been around since —you got it— The salad is bursting with flavour and colours, described as a colourful blend of the Spanish, Italian and Cuban gastronomic influences.
Chopped iceberg, beefsteak tomatoes, Swiss, Spanish green olives and ham are dressed up with a zesty homemade dressing of garlic, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and lemon. It is also covered with Eddi style salt and Romano cheese, that add some nice crunchiness, tang balls flavour. A simple and chaatpati go easily as this age-old delicacy, enjoyed from centuries back is in the history.
The History Behind the 1905 Salad Recipe
In the early years of the 20th century, the 1905 Salad was invented at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida. Opened in 1905, this is one of Florida’s oldest continuous restaurant operations, and this salad has become one of its signature dishes.
Originating from Spanish and Cuban food, 1905 Salad marries simplicity with big flavours. A classic never gets old. It is still around today and proves its unique, balanced taste appeals to generations of salad lovers.
Fresh Ingredients That Shine
The 1905 Salad is all about the fresh, bright ingredients. It is served on a bed of refreshing iceberg lettuce for some crunch and garnished with wedges of tomato for natural sweetness.
Swiss cheese and ham strips add salty, savoury notes, and green Spanish olives are introduced for a salty kick. Each component is carefully selected to provide a deliciously textured, filling, yet refreshing salad.
A Bold Dressing that Makes a Difference
The dressing is one of the most arresting things about the 1905 Salad. It consists of olive oil, white vinegar, fresh minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper; the bold, simple dressing binds the whole salad together.
The peppery bite of garlic and the umami richness of Worcestershire sauce give the sauce a distinct flavour that harmonises well with the various components of the salad. Each bite delivers an unforgettable kick of zesty, garlicky goodness.
Why Homemade 1905 Salad Is a Great Idea
Housemade 1905 Salad Experience If you make a 1905 Salad at home, it will be fresh, and you can customize it. You get to decide the quality and freshness of every part that goes into the salad, so it is to your taste. Making it yourself allows you to tinker with things like the amount of garlic in the dressing or including more olives for a saltier flavour. W
hen you recreate this old-time favourite staple in your kitchen, you can savour a taste of culinary history through a healthy, balanced meal. The 1905 Salad is impossible to beat as an entre or an accompaniment, providing a zesty combination of taste and texture.
Here’s a health benefits table for some of the main ingredients in the 1905 Salad:
| Ingredient | Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Iceberg Lettuce | Low in calories, hydrates due to high water content, provides fiber for digestion. |
| Tomatoes | High in antioxidants like lycopene, promotes heart health, supports skin health with vitamin C. |
| Swiss Cheese | Good source of calcium for bone health, provides protein, contains vitamin B12 for energy. |
| Ham | High in protein, provides iron, B vitamins, and some essential minerals (can be enjoyed in moderation). |
| Green Olives | Rich in healthy fats, supports heart health, contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation. |
| Romano Cheese | Contains calcium for bone health, offers protein, and has probiotic properties for gut health. |
| Olive Oil (in dressing) | Rich in monounsaturated fats, supports heart health, contains antioxidants. |
| Garlic (in dressing) | Boosts immune system, has anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce blood pressure. |
| Oregano (in dressing) | High in antioxidants, supports immune health, may have antibacterial properties. |
1905 Salad Recipes
Equipment
- Large salad bowl For mixing the salad ingredients.
- Cutting board To chop vegetables and cheese.
- Chef's knife For cutting the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and ham.
- Measuring cups o measure ingredients accurately.
- Measuring spoons For measuring smaller quantities of dressing ingredients.
- Whisk To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
- 4 cups iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1 ripe tomato cut into wedges
- ½ cup Swiss cheese julienned
- ½ cup ham julienned (substitute turkey or omit for a vegetarian version)
- ¼ cup green Spanish olives pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup Romano cheese grated
- ¼ cup white onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, tomato wedges, Swiss cheese, ham, green olives, and sliced onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Top with grated Romano cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
 Tips for better 1905 salad Recipe
- Use Crisp Lettuce: It is best to use fresh, crispy iceberg. Crisp lettuce gives the 1905 Salad its signature texture and crunch.
- Cut it Thin and Evenly: Cut your lettuce, tomato, ham, and Swiss cheese thinly so that the dressing can evenly coat all the ingredients, resulting in a more flavourful salad.
- Marinate the Tomatoes: To add additional flavour to the salad dressing, sprinkle a little of it over the tomato slices and let marinate for about 10-15 minutes. Few things on this planet add a dimension of tang to your 1905 Salad.
- Good Ham and Swiss: Use real ham and Swiss. There are plenty of inexpensive hams, but they are almost the same price as the good ones. Aim for fresh, deli-sliced deli for best results in making your 1905 Salad Recipe.
- The Heart of this Salad is the Homemade Dressing: The garlic-lemon vinaigrette! This dressing is best when freshly made and let sit for up to 5 minutes before tossing in the salad for full flavour development.
More Tips for better 1905 salad Recipe
- Lend a Bang of Worcestershire Sauce: The 1905 Salad dressing has one secret ingredient that provides much of the umami flavour: Worcestershire sauce. Use it sparingly, as little goes a long way, and it enhances the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Emulsify the dressing: Whisk the olive oil, garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire together well. Will guarantee uniform coverage on each component of the 1905 Salad.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dressing with its acidity. Leave out bottled lemon juice since it does not have the fresh, zesty flavour necessary for an authentic 1905 Salad Recipe.
- Enjoy Immediately: The 1905 Salad is best eaten fresh. When you add the dressing, ensure you serve it so the lettuce maintains its crunch and the flavours stay fresh.
- Garnish with Spanish Olives: Traditional 1905 Salad recipes often include green Spanish olives. They add a salty, tangy contrast to the dressing and balance out the flavours beautifully.
References
Calories in 1905 Salad Dressing by Columbia Restaurant
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