1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad)

Iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, smoky ham, Swiss cheese, marinated artichokes, garlicky dressing, and bold green olives.

this Recipe

You ever have a meal that just… sticks with you? Like years go by, and boom—one bite takes you straight back? That’s what this 1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad) does to me. The first time I tried it, I was 26, sunburned, and honestly kinda cranky. We were in Florida—Tampa, I think—and we ducked into Columbia Restaurant just to escape the heat (and okay, maybe for the sangria too). I’d never heard of the 1905 Salad, but the waiter swore it was life-changing. I figured it was just clever marketing, but I caved and ordered it.

And dang.

That first bite? Cold, crisp iceberg. Garlicky lemon dressing. Smoky ham. Tangy olives. Swiss cheese. It tasted like everything I didn’t know I wanted in a salad. It was bold and briny and kinda messy in the best way. Like if your favorite deli sandwich fell into a bowl of greens and made a comeback story out of it.

I’ve been chasing that flavor ever since, tweaking the dressing, doubling the garlic some days, skipping the olives when I’m not in the mood (which is rare, but hey, moods happen). This version right here is the one I come back to when I’m craving something nostalgic but not fussy. And now I’m passing it along—like an old friend.

Why You’ll Love This 1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad) Recipe?

Look, I’ve had a lot of salads. Some healthy, some sad. Some that cost $18 and come with exactly four almonds. But this 1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad) is in a whole different category. It’s got character. It doesn’t whisper “clean eating” in your ear—it yells, “I’m here to party.”

There’s something so… unapologetic about it. Like, “Yeah, I’ve got ham and cheese and olives and artichokes all in one bowl. What of it?” You don’t make this salad to impress your yoga instructor. You make it because you want something real. Something cold and crunchy and satisfying and maybe even a little bit messy. And honestly? I love that about it.

Is it fancy? Nope. Is it perfect? Also no. But is it incredible? Yep. It’s the kind of salad that reminds you food can be fun—and just a little nostalgic too.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s not pretend this is just “a salad.” This is more like a cast of characters coming together on one plate. Every ingredient brings something to the table—literally. Here’s what’s what:

• Iceberg Lettuce – I know, I know. It’s not kale or arugula or whatever’s trendy. But iceberg? It’s got that old-school diner crunch. The cold snap. It belongs here.

• Tomatoes – Go for juicy, ripe ones. Cut them into wedges like you’re prepping for a cookout.

• Swiss Cheese – It’s funky in a good way. Julienne it (that’s just a fancy word for cut into strips) so you get a little in every bite.

• Smoked Ham – Not deli-thin, but not chunks either. Somewhere in between. Adds that salty, meaty bite.

• Pimento-Stuffed Olives – You either love ’em or skip ’em. I’m team more olives always.

• Marinated Artichokes – A little soft, a little tangy, they mellow things out in the best way.

• Grated Parmesan or Romano – Don’t skimp here. It’s that savory snowflake sprinkle that brings it all together.

• The Dressing – Garlicky, lemony, herby, and straight-up addictive. It’s like the dressing version of your favorite aunt who gives zero filter advice but is usually right.

How To Make 1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad)?

You don’t need a culinary degree to pull this off. Just a cutting board, a bowl, and a willingness to get a little messy.

Step 1: Mix That Magic Dressing
I like to use a mason jar—makes me feel efficient. Add your oil, garlic, oregano, Worcestershire, lemon juice. Give it a shake. Then add the vinegar, salt, and pepper. Shake again like you’re mixing a cocktail on a rooftop in Miami. Taste it. It should slap. Chill it while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Chop, Slice, Strip
Lettuce gets chopped. Tomatoes get wedged. Cheese and ham get stripped down like it’s the early 2000s and we’re all watching Iron Chef. Don’t overthink it.

Step 3: Build That Bowl
Layer it all—lettuce, tomatoes, ham, cheese, olives, artichokes. Give it a generous snowfall of Parmesan. The more it looks like a chaotic Italian deli exploded in your bowl, the better.

Step 4: Dress and Toss
Dressing goes on. Then toss with intention. You want everything coated, none of that half-dressed nonsense. Get your hands in there if you have to. It’s worth it.

Storage Options:

Let me be straight—this 1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad) doesn’t like to sit around dressed. It’s a live in the moment kind of meal. That said:

• Undressed salad will keep for about 2 days in an airtight container.

• Dressed salad? Ehh, one day max. It gets soft, but honestly still pretty tasty cold from the fridge.

• Dressing can be made ahead and keeps for 5–6 days. Just shake it like you mean it before using.

Variations and Substitutions:

This recipe? It’s flexible. Here’s how to riff on it depending on your fridge mood:

• Don’t have Swiss? Use provolone. Or gouda. Or whatever cheese is in that sad Ziploc in your deli drawer.

• No ham? Leftover rotisserie chicken works. Or skip the meat entirely—chickpeas are a solid plant-based sub.

• Olives too briny? Try roasted red peppers or even pickled onions for a twist.

• Want it spicy? A few dashes of hot sauce in the dressing? Yes. Do it.

• Craving crunch? Add croutons or toasted nuts. Life’s too short for soggy salads.

What to Serve with 1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad)?

Okay, so technically it’s a side salad. But let’s be honest—it eats like a main. Still, if you wanna serve it alongside something, try these:

• Grilled chicken or shrimp – Easy and plays nice.

• A hunk of crusty bread – Carbs are friends.

• Cuban black bean soup – It’s giving Florida realness.

• Sangria or a crisp white wine – Because why not?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it ahead of time?
Sorta. You can prep all the ingredients and dressing ahead, just don’t toss it until you’re ready to serve. Unless you like limp lettuce, which… we need to talk.

Is this gluten-free?
Should be! Just check the labels on your ham and Worcestershire sauce—some brands sneak gluten in there.

What’s with the name “1905 Salad”?
It dates back to—surprise—1905, from Columbia Restaurant in Florida. It’s got Cuban-Spanish roots and has somehow survived every food trend from kale to keto. That’s icon behavior.

This 1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad) isn’t subtle, and that’s exactly why I love it. It’s loud. It’s proud. It’s got garlic breath and doesn’t care. And if that’s not a mood, I don’t know what is.

Give it a try and tell me if it hits the same for you. Or hey—make it your own. Add bacon. Add croutons. Skip the olives if you must (I won’t judge… much). Just don’t forget the dressing.

Now go toss something delicious.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad)

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

A classic, crisp salad made with iceberg lettuce, ham, Swiss cheese, marinated artichokes, tomatoes, and green olives, all tossed in a bold garlic-lemon dressing inspired by Columbia Restaurant’s signature 1905 Salad.

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4 Servings

Ingredients

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For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad:

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

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Instructions

 

Prepare the Dressing

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice until combined. Slowly incorporate the white wine vinegar while continuing to whisk, allowing the dressing to emulsify. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, tomato wedges, julienned Swiss cheese, smoked ham, green olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.

Dress and Toss

1. Pour the chilled dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

To make this 1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad) gluten-free, ensure the Worcestershire sauce used is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten-based ingredients such as malt vinegar. Additionally, confirm that the ham and Parmesan or Romano cheese are free from gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination, especially if purchasing pre-packaged or deli versions. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Bitty

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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