The Zesty 1905 Salad Recipe That Brings Cuban Flair to Your Table

Tucked away in culinary archives, the 1905 salad brings nostalgic memories of classic American dining.

Generations have savored this delightful blend of fresh ingredients.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tangy dressing, creating a symphony of flavors.

Chefs across the country have treasured this recipe for decades.

Regional restaurants still celebrate its timeless appeal with pride.

Restaurants in Florida particularly showcase this iconic dish.

Each bite promises a journey through culinary history that you’ll absolutely love.

Uncover the delicious secrets of this vintage salad that continues to charm food enthusiasts everywhere.

Why 1905 Salad Stands Out at Every Gathering

• Quick and Effortless Prep: Whip up this delightful salad in mere minutes with simple chopping and whisking techniques, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Flavor-Packed Ingredients: Combine tangy artichokes, smoky ham, briny olives, and zesty dressing for a mouthwatering taste explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual lunches, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish that appeals to both adults and kids with its colorful and interesting mix of ingredients.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Elevate your meal with a gourmet-style salad that looks and tastes impressive without requiring professional culinary skills, making you feel like a kitchen superstar.

Ingredients You’ll Need for 1905 Salad

• Iceberg Lettuce: Cool, crisp lettuce that adds crunch.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and bright red garden tomatoes.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild and smooth white cheese.
• Smoked Ham: Salty and smoky protein.
• Pimento-Stuffed Green Olives: Tangy and briny olive pieces.
• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Tender and zesty vegetable addition.
• Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese: Sharp and savory grated cheeses.

• Garlic: Fresh and aromatic minced garlic.
• Dried Oregano: Fragrant and classic herb.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Rich and tangy condiment.
• White Wine Vinegar: Sharp and acidic liquid.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh and bright citrus juice.

• Salt: Classic seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Warm and spicy ground pepper.
• Olive Oil: Smooth and rich cooking oil.

How to Build a Classic 1905 Salad

Step 1: Prepare Dressing Base

Grab a medium mixing bowl and add minced garlic, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well combined and create a fragrant foundation for your salad dressing.

Step 2: Create Smooth Emulsion

Drizzle olive oil slowly into the mixture while whisking continuously.

Keep whisking until the dressing transforms into a silky, smooth emulsion that looks glossy and well-integrated.

Set the dressing aside or pop it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to dress the salad.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Lettuce

Take your crisp iceberg lettuce and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Transfer the chopped lettuce into a large salad bowl, creating a fresh green base for your 1905 Salad.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Ingredients

• Juicy tomatoes
• Swiss cheese cubes
• Smoky ham pieces
• Pimento-stuffed green olives
• Marinated artichoke hearts
• Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a beautiful coating of the tangy, herbal dressing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad to serving plates immediately.

Your 1905 Salad is ready to be savored with its perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Tips to Enhance the Salad Experience

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dressing a subtle kick and enhance its overall taste profile.
• Rinse iceberg lettuce in cold water and pat dry with paper towels to maintain crispness and prevent wilting before chopping.
• Replace Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella if unavailable, ensuring similar mild and creamy texture in the salad.
• Substitute smoked ham with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for a different dietary preference or to suit personal taste.
• Chop vegetables and prepare dressing separately, storing components in airtight containers to assemble quickly when ready to serve, keeping ingredients fresh and crisp.

How to Store Leftover 1905 Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate from salad to prevent soggy ingredients.
• Remove lettuce and cheese before storing to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Drain excess liquid, add fresh lettuce, and drizzle with reserved dressing just before serving to restore original taste and crunch.
• This salad contains delicate ingredients like cheese and ham that lose quality when frozen, so consume within recommended storage time.

What Pairs Nicely with 1905 Salad

• Pair with Cuban Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled, light-bodied Cuban white wine like Blanc de Blancs to complement the salad's tangy and savory flavors, cutting through the richness of ham and cheese.
• Match with Crusty Cuban Bread: Serve warm, toasted Cuban bread slices alongside the salad to soak up the delicious dressing and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Enhance with Mojito Cocktail: Prepare a classic Cuban mojito with rum, mint, lime, and sugar to provide a refreshing contrast to the salad's robust ingredients and bright vinaigrette.
• Complete with Citrus Sorbet: End the meal with a light, palate-cleansing citrus sorbet that echoes the lemon notes in the dressing and offers a cool, zesty finish.

Fresh Ways to Change Up 1905 Salad

• Vegetarian Version: Replace smoked ham with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas for protein. Keep all other ingredients the same.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce. Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap iceberg lettuce for mixed greens or spinach. Increase cheese and protein quantities to make the salad more filling.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add sliced kalamata olives, cucumber, and red bell peppers. Replace white wine vinegar with red wine vinegar for deeper flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make the 1905 Salad unique?

The 1905 Salad features a blend of Swiss cheese, smoked ham, pimento-stuffed green olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and a zesty homemade dressing with Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, and lemon juice.

• Is this salad named after a specific year or event?

The salad originates from the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, and was created in 1905, hence its name, celebrating the year the restaurant was founded.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the smoked ham and replace it with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or additional cheese and artichoke hearts.

• How long can I keep the dressing prepared in advance?

The dressing can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, allowing the flavors to meld together and making meal prep easier.

1905 Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Culinary magic unfolds with 1905 salad, a legendary Cuban-inspired dish brimming with zesty flavors and Mediterranean charm. Crisp lettuce, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy dressing create a memorable ensemble that transports diners straight to Old Havana’s spirited streets.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon

Seasoning:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vibrant dressing by combining minced garlic, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Incorporate salt and black pepper into the liquid mixture, whisking thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
3. Gradually stream olive oil into the blend, continuously whisking to create a smooth, emulsified dressing that holds together beautifully.
4. Refrigerate the dressing or set aside, remembering to re-whisk or shake before serving to prevent ingredient separation.
5. Select a spacious salad bowl and roughly chop crisp iceberg lettuce into appealing bite-sized pieces.
6. Layer the chopped lettuce with a colorful array of ingredients: diced tomatoes, cubed Swiss cheese, torn smoked ham slices, sliced pimento-stuffed green olives, and tangy marinated artichoke hearts.
7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Romano cheese generously over the assembled ingredients to add a rich, savory dimension.
8. Drizzle the prepared dressing across the salad, using gentle tossing motions to ensure each component receives an even coating of flavor.
9. Serve the salad immediately to preserve the crisp texture and vibrant taste of the fresh ingredients.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are fresh and crisp for maximum flavor and texture in the salad.
• Chop lettuce just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain crunchiness.
• Customize protein by substituting ham with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Chill salad bowls beforehand to keep the dish refreshingly cool and enhance the overall eating experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 226
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 188 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg