1905 Columbia Salad
🥗 1905 Columbia Salad (Serves 2–4)
Ingredients
* 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
* 1/4 lb baked ham, julienned
* 6–8 slices Swiss cheese, julienned
* 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed olives, sliced
* 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges or slices
* 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Dressing
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* Juice of 1 lemon
* 1 garlic clove, finely grated
* 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
* Salt & black pepper to taste
🥄 Instructions
1. Make the dressing first:
Whisk everything together until well blended. Let it sit 5–10 minutes so the garlic and oregano infuse.
2. Build the salad:
In a large bowl, combine lettuce, ham, Swiss, olives, and tomatoes.
3. Toss + finish:
Pour dressing over and toss thoroughly so everything is coated.
Sprinkle Pecorino on top right before serving.
🔑 Tips for the authentic feel
* Use good olive oil—it’s the backbone of the flavor.
* Slice everything thin and uniform (that deli-style texture matters).
* Toss just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp.
* Add the Pecorino at the end—it gives that sharp, salty finish.
🔄 Optional additions (still traditional-ish)
* Roasted turkey (some versions include it)
* Extra garlic if you like it bold
* A pinch of paprika for a subtle warmth
The 1905 Columbia Salad offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors reminiscent of early 20th-century American deli cuisine. When I first tried making this salad, I was pleasantly surprised by how the simple ingredients come together into a satisfying, balanced dish. The julienned baked ham and Swiss cheese provide a savory depth, while the crisp iceberg lettuce and juicy tomatoes bring freshness. One key to enhancing this salad is the dressing, which is olive oil-based with white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Allowing the dressing to sit for 5 to 10 minutes is essential as it lets the oregano and garlic infuse, creating that bright yet herbaceous flavor. Using a good quality olive oil truly makes a difference since it serves as the dressing's backbone. When preparing the salad components, slicing everything thinly and uniformly helps mimic the authentic deli-style texture, ensuring each bite has balanced taste and aesthetics. I recommend tossing the salad just before serving to maintain the lettuce's crispness and sprinkling grated Pecorino Romano at the very end to finish off with a sharp, salty note that complements the other flavors excellently. For those who love experimenting, adding roasted turkey can bring in additional protein while keeping the traditional feel, and a pinch of paprika or some extra garlic adds a nice subtle warmth and punch respectively. Overall, this salad makes for a delightful light meal or side dish. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and showcases how a few simple, quality ingredients can create a timeless recipe. Whether you serve it for a family lunch or a casual gathering, the 1905 Columbia Salad is a crowd-pleaser that celebrates classic American salad traditions.
seems so delicious. very easy to make