Columbia’s 1905 Salad

Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad is a Florida classic that you can make in your kitchen! This Tampa favorite is known for the chilled iceberg lettuce, savory ham, and the addictive dressing.

bowl of 1905 salad

Columbia’s 1905 Salad Recipe

Even after 117 years, it is still delicious! When I visit the Tampa Bay area to visit my cousin, specifically Ybor City in Florida, we usually go to the Columbia restaurant for at least one dinner.

My order is usually their delicious Cuban sandwich, but I recently decided to try something new. And being that I need to eat more veggies, I thought I would try the 1905 salad. It is so good that I almost wish I didn’t have it, because now I crave it constantly!

When I ordered the salad, I was also given a brief history lesson. The salad got its legendary name for being the oldest Spanish restaurant in all of Florida!

Next time you are in the state, swing by and check out Florida’s oldest restaurant and try the the original recipe for their hearty salad! You can enjoy it as a side salad or a main course, but always with come Cuban bread.

If you are a salad fanatic like me, check out my homemade Italian dressing, homemade Greek vinaigrette, and toss one of them on my Italian Chopped Salad.

labeled picture of salad ingredients

Ingredients Needed

Iceberg lettuce – Chop the head iceberg lettuce to your desired crunch. Use Romaine lettuce in a pinch.

Tomato – Use ripe tomatoes for the best salad.

Ham – To replicate the delicious ham chunks, cut the ham into half inch strips.

Swiss cheese – Similarly to the ham, trim the Swiss to half inch strips.

Green olives with pimentos – Leave the olives whole for that tasty burst of flavor!

Romano cheese – You can substitute Parmesan cheese in a pinch.

1905 Salad Dressing Ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil – The absolute backbone of any yummy dressing is olive oil!

Worcestershire sauce – Worcestershire is exactly where the flavor comes from in this dressing.

Lemon – Fresh lemon juice is best! Add zest for more flavor.

Garlic cloves – Use minced garlic to avoid large pieces. Garlic powder in a pinch.

Oregano – Dried works. If you use fresh, use double the amount.

White wine vinegar – Can substitute regular distilled in a pinch.

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How to Make Columbia’s 1905 Salad

First: Combine all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl, and whisk together all the salad dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.

Second: Drizzle the dressing over the 1905 salad and toss to evenly coat the mixed salad.

Third: Sprinkle with remaining cheese and enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

bowl of salad with red and white striped napkin

How long does it last?

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I would keep the dressing separate to keep it from getting soggy.

The dressing will last up to two weeks— yum!

Can I substitute ham?

The ham is truly what makes this salad special and taste authentic, but I understand not everyone likes ham. Feel free to leave it off or substitute some crispy bacon.

fork of salad

Why is it called the 1905 Salad?

The “1905 Salad” got its unique name from Columbia’s opening date! Two neighboring restaurants of the time decided to combine storefronts under the name Columbia.

Still standing strong from its birth in 1905, Columbia is the oldest restaurant in all of Florida!

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this with a Cuban sandwich, Ropa Vieja, or even a simple rotisserie chicken.

If you just want the salad with some regular dinner recipes, try it with this copycat Texas Roadhouse Herb Chicken, or these Honey Mustard Pork Chops.

1905 salad on a plate with a bowl

Tips for No Leftovers

  • Store your dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • Use your favorite baked ham or deli ham in a pinch.
  • Use green Spanish olives for the best flavor.
  • For an on-the-go lunch, prep the ham into strips in a container for up to a week.
  • Chop your lettuce to the size you like, or even shred your lettuce.
  • This salad is great on its own, or with other Columbia restaurant favorites like the original Cuban sandwich, ropa vieja, and paella.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

1905 salad picture collage

There is a reason why this century old restaurant is still kicking; The Columbia Restaurant 1905 salad is refreshing in all the best ways! The ham with the crunch of lettuce and notes of Romano and Swiss will make any mouth water!

bowl of salad with a fork in a clay bowl

Columbia’s 1905 Salad

The Columbia Restaurant 1905 salad is refreshing in all the best ways!
Give me a rating:)
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Course: Salads
Cuisine: Cuban
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 281kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 large head iceberg lettuce roughly 4 cups cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 1 large ripe tomato
  • ½ cup ham cut into ½ strips
  • ½ cup Swiss cheese cut into ½ inch strips
  • ½ cup green olives with pimentos leave whole
  • ¼ cup Romano cheese

Dressing

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 4 cloves of garlic minced
  • 3 teaspoons oregano
  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, ham, Swiss cheese, and green olives.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the salad dressing ingredients and whisk to combine.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. (Start slow as not to over-dress)
  • Sprinkle with Romano cheese. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Store your dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to enjoy the refreshing tang and oregano flavor!
  • Use your favorite baked ham or deli ham in a pinch.
  • I love the crunchiness so I do a loose chop but some 1905 fans shred their lettuce!
  • Use green Spanish olives for the best flavor.
  • For an on-the-go lunch, prep the ham into strips in a container for up to a week.
  • Chop your lettuce to your preferred crunch level, or even shred your lettuce. Either of these are beloved by Columbia fans.
  • This salad is best served either on its own, or other Columbia restaurant favorites like the original Cuban, Ropa Vieja, and paella.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 271mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 777IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 173mg | Iron: 1mg

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