1905 Salad with Homemade Dressing – Easy & Authentic

If you’ve ever had the iconic 1905 Salad from Columbia Restaurant in Florida, you know the hype is real. It’s crunchy, tangy, garlicky, and totally addictive. And the best part? You can recreate that same magic right at home with simple ingredients and zero stress.

This copycat 1905 Salad recipe is my go-to when I want something fast, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even the star of the show at a summer potluck.

What Is the 1905 Salad?

The 1905 Salad was born at Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant (est. 1905). What started as a simple staff meal became one of their most beloved dishes. It’s got serious staying power—and one bite will tell you why.

This salad is all about contrast: crisp iceberg lettuce, salty ham, nutty Swiss cheese, briny olives, juicy tomatoes, and a bold garlic-sherry vinaigrette that ties everything together. It’s a retro classic that somehow still feels modern.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients – No fancy tricks here, just good food done right.
• 15-Minute Prep – Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – The dressing can be prepped in advance.
• Customizable – Swap the ham, cheese, or add a protein to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup ham, julienned (use deli-style or leftover baked ham)
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup green Spanish olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make the 1905 Salad (Step-by-Step)

1. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while you prep the salad—it gives the garlic time to mellow out.
2. Build the Salad Base
   In a large salad bowl, combine chopped iceberg lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese, julienned ham, diced tomato, and sliced olives.
3. Dress and Toss
   Pour the dressing over the salad right before serving. Toss everything together until well-coated.
4. Finish with Pecorino
   Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for a salty, nutty finish. Optional, but highly recommended.

Pro Tips for the Best 1905 Salad

• Use Fresh Garlic – Don’t skip it! It’s what gives the dressing its kick.
• Chill Your Lettuce – Ice-cold lettuce = max crunch.
• Let the Dressing Sit – A few minutes of rest helps mellow the garlic and deepen the flavor.
• Toss Just Before Serving – This salad is best when it’s super fresh.

Variations & Swaps

• Cheese Swap: Try provolone, Manchego, or mozzarella.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas.
• No Ham? Use turkey or skip the meat altogether.

What to Serve with 1905 Salad

• Garlic toast or crusty Cuban bread
• Grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked fish
• A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or iced tea with lemon

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Dressing: Can be made 4–5 days in advance. Store in a jar in the fridge.
• Salad: Prep the components ahead of time, but don’t toss until ready to serve.
• Leftovers: Once dressed, the salad doesn’t keep well—it’s best eaten fresh!

More Retro Salad Recipes to Try

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💬 Let’s Talk Salad

Did you grow up eating the 1905 Salad? Have you had it at Columbia Restaurant? Tell me in the comments—I love hearing your foodie stories! And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. It helps more people find the recipe!