The Sunny Florida 1905 Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

Summers in the early 20th century brought delightful culinary surprises, like the remarkable 1905 salad that captured the essence of fresh, vibrant ingredients.

This classic Cuban-inspired dish blends crisp vegetables with tangy proteins in a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Spanish immigrants in Florida first crafted this legendary salad, infusing it with robust Mediterranean influences.

Key ingredients like Swiss cheese, ham, and green olives create a harmonious medley that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

The simple yet sophisticated combination transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Each bite tells a story of cultural fusion and culinary creativity.

You’ll savor every delectable moment of this timeless recipe that continues to delight generations of food enthusiasts.

Storage Solutions for Crisp Salad

• Store remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping dressing and salad ingredients separate to prevent sogginess.
• Keep cheese, ham, and vegetables in different sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination.
• Before storing, pat wet ingredients like tomatoes and artichokes with paper towels to reduce excess liquid that could make salad soggy.
• When ready to eat, drain any accumulated liquid, add fresh lettuce if needed, and toss with reserved dressing to revive the salad's crispness.

FAQs

• What is the origin of the 1905 Salad?

The salad was created at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, and named after the year the restaurant was established, commemorating its rich Cuban and Spanish culinary heritage.

• Is this salad considered a main dish or side dish?

This salad can be served as a hearty main course due to its substantial ingredients like ham, cheese, and artichokes, making it a complete meal.

• What makes the dressing unique in this salad?

The dressing combines multiple flavors like Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, and herbs, creating a tangy and complex taste profile that elevates the entire salad.

1905 Salad: What Makes It a Standout Salad

• Packed with zesty dressing and bold ingredients like smoked ham, Swiss cheese, and artichokes, this salad delivers an incredible taste experience in every bite.
• Requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Great for potlucks, lunch gatherings, or as a quick weeknight meal that satisfies different palates with its mix of proteins, vegetables, and tangy dressing.
• Easily adaptable by swapping ingredients or adjusting dressing intensity, allowing personal touch and creativity while maintaining the classic 1905 Salad spirit.

Ingredient List for Fresh 1905 Salad

• Iceberg Lettuce: A crisp and refreshing base that provides a cool crunch to the salad.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds a mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Smoked Ham: Brings a rich, savory protein element to the salad.

• Tomato Wedges: Adds bright color and juicy freshness to the salad.
• Green Olives: Contribute a tangy and salty flavor profile.
• Artichoke Halves: Provide a unique, slightly earthy taste and interesting texture.
• Parmesan or Romano Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty finishing touch to the salad.

• Olive Oil, White Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Create a light and zesty base for the dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic, Dried Oregano: Add depth and complexity to the dressing's flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad and dressing.

Tools for Salad Prep Like a Pro

• Mixing Bowl: Large, spacious bowl for combining salad ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping lettuce, tomatoes, and slicing cheese and ham.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and cheese cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate portioning of dressing ingredients.
• Measuring Cup: For measuring olive oil and other liquid ingredients.
• Serving Tongs or Salad Servers: Helpful for tossing and serving the salad.

Stepwise Instructions for 1905 Salad

Step 1: Whip Up The Zesty Dressing

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in olive oil, freshly crushed garlic, fragrant dried oregano, tangy Worcestershire sauce, bright lemon juice, crisp white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper.

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Chill the dressing in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Assemble Vibrant Salad Components

• Crisp, chopped iceberg lettuce
• Juicy tomato wedges
• Sliced Swiss cheese strips
• Delicate smoked ham ribbons
• Briny green olives
• Tender artichoke halves
• Freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Step 3: Toss With Tantalizing Dressing

Retrieve the chilled dressing and drizzle it generously over the salad ingredients.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each morsel gets coated with the zesty mixture.

Step 4: Plate And Savor

Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates and dig in immediately.

Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every refreshing bite.

Salad Tips for Crunch and Flavor

• Refrigerate the prepared dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more robust taste profile.
• Add cheese and ham last to prevent wilting and maintain their crisp texture, ensuring each bite remains flavorful and appetizing.
• Cut vegetables and cheese into consistent sizes for even distribution, guaranteeing a balanced mix of flavors in every forkful.
• Select crisp iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality cheese to elevate the overall taste and nutritional value of the salad.
• Taste the dressing before adding and modify salt and pepper levels to suit personal preferences, preventing over-seasoning.

Salad Swaps and Ingredient Ideas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace smoked ham with grilled tofu or tempeh strips, maintaining the salad's protein content and adding a plant-based twist.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap iceberg lettuce with mixed greens or spinach for increased nutritional value and reduced carbohydrate intake.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Add roasted red peppers, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta cheese to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile and introduce additional textures.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking Worcestershire sauce and using a gluten-free alternative if necessary.

How to Present 1905 Salad Nicely

• Flavor Fiesta Plate: Pair this vibrant 1905 Salad with crusty Cuban bread for a perfect texture contrast.
• Mediterranean Mingle: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp to transform the salad into a complete protein-packed meal.
• Wine & Dine Companion: Complement the salad's tangy profile with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.
• Picnic Perfect Presentation: Pack the dressing separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the salad's fresh, crisp ingredients.

1905 Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired 1905 salad blends crisp lettuce, ham, swiss cheese, and olives with zesty dressing. Garlic-infused vinaigrette elevates this classic dish that travelers and locals alike enjoy.

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Ingredients

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Salad Base:

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 cup julienned Swiss cheese
• 1 cup julienned smoked ham
• 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives
• 1 cup quartered marinated artichoke hearts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, garlic, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
2. Slice iceberg lettuce into crisp, bite-sized pieces and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl. Layer julienned Swiss cheese and smoked ham for a protein-rich foundation.
3. Incorporate halved artichoke hearts and quartered green olives to introduce tangy Mediterranean notes to the salad composition.
4. Scatter ripe tomato wedges across the mixture, creating vibrant color contrast and juicy texture.
5. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the assembled ingredients, adding a rich, salty dimension.
6. Extract chilled dressing from refrigerator and drizzle evenly across the salad components.
7. Gently toss all ingredients using salad servers or tongs, ensuring each element is lightly coated with the aromatic vinaigrette.
8. Transfer to serving plates immediately, preserving the crisp lettuce and maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Customize the dressing by adjusting the acidity with more or less lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
• Use high-quality ham and cheese for a more authentic and flavorful 1905 Salad experience.
• Keep ingredients chilled before assembling to maintain the salad’s crisp texture and prevent wilting.
• Prep ingredients just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and prevent soggy lettuce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 267
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg