The 1905 Salad is a culinary icon that has been delighting taste buds for over a century. Created at the historic Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, this dish has earned its place in the hearts of many who enjoy a balanced mix of fresh vegetables, savory flavors, and a zesty dressing. It’s a salad that tells a story, a reflection of the rich heritage of Florida’s food culture. What makes the 1905 Salad truly special is the harmony between its simple ingredients and the homemade dressing that ties everything together. The secret lies in the freshness of the lettuce, the tang of the dressing, and the distinctive flavors of the olives and cheese. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this classic salad at home, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps of making the Authentic 1905 Salad, complete with the homemade dressing that transforms it into a timeless favorite. Get ready to make a dish that has stood the test of time!
The Essential Ingredients for the 1905 Salad
The 1905 Salad’s appeal comes from its fresh, uncomplicated ingredients that come together to create a bold yet refreshing dish. While you might be familiar with many of the ingredients, there’s something about the balance of flavors that makes this salad truly special.
For the Salad:
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce, finely shredded – The base of the salad, iceberg lettuce, provides a crisp and refreshing crunch. It’s the perfect foundation for the salad’s dressing to cling to, making every bite satisfying.
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved – Sweet and juicy, these tomatoes add a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the tanginess of the olives and the richness of the cheese.
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced – Green olives bring a briny, slightly bitter taste that complements the other ingredients and adds a salty punch.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced – The black olives are milder in flavor but offer a smooth, salty depth that complements the green olives.
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese – This sharp and tangy cheese gives the salad a savory kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup diced ham (optional) – While optional, the addition of ham brings a savory element to the dish. It also gives the salad an extra layer of flavor, making it a more substantial dish for those who want a heartier option.
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil – Olive oil forms the base of the dressing, adding richness and helping to emulsify the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice provides acidity and brightness that helps cut through the richness of the olive oil and cheese.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – This sauce adds complexity to the dressing with its deep umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard adds a slight tanginess and helps bind the dressing together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A hint of garlic powder lends warmth and depth to the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Season to taste. These simple seasonings elevate the overall flavor of the dressing and salad.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – The Parmesan cheese gives the dressing a creamy texture and a rich, savory taste.
Preparing the Salad Base: Freshness at Its Best
The first step in creating your 1905 Salad is preparing the salad base. The crisp, shredded iceberg lettuce is what defines the texture of this salad. Start by carefully shredding the lettuce into thin strips. Iceberg lettuce is chosen for its crunchiness, which holds up well under the weight of the dressing and the other ingredients.
Once shredded, place the lettuce in a large salad bowl, spreading it evenly to ensure each bite offers that satisfying crunch. Next, halve the grape tomatoes and add them to the bowl. The bright red color of the tomatoes not only adds visual appeal but their natural sweetness complements the tangy dressing beautifully.
As you prepare the tomatoes, slice the green and black olives. The olives are a key component of the 1905 Salad, offering a salty and briny flavor that contrasts with the sweet tomatoes and creamy cheese. Add both green and black olives to the bowl, ensuring an even distribution.
Crafting the Homemade Dressing: The Heart of the Salad
While the salad base is important, it’s the dressing that truly defines the 1905 Salad. The homemade dressing is easy to make but packed with flavor. It’s what elevates the salad from simple to extraordinary.
Start by combining the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl or jar. The olive oil adds richness, while the lemon juice provides a burst of acidity that brightens the entire dish. The Worcestershire sauce introduces an umami flavor that adds depth to the dressing.
Next, whisk in the Dijon mustard, which helps emulsify the dressing and adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the oil. Add the garlic powder for a warm, savory undertone that complements the other ingredients.
Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings will enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Finally, whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which gives the dressing a creamy consistency and a salty, cheesy flavor that marries perfectly with the salad.
Once everything is whisked together, give the dressing a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a bit more acidity, add extra lemon juice. If you want more depth, you can add a dash more Worcestershire sauce.
Assembling the 1905 Salad: Bringing Everything Together
Now comes the fun part – assembling your 1905 Salad. Begin by drizzling the homemade dressing over the shredded lettuce and tomatoes. Be generous with the dressing, as it’s the star of the show and will coat the lettuce perfectly. Use tongs or salad servers to gently toss the ingredients, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Add the sliced olives—green and black—into the salad, ensuring they’re well-distributed throughout. These olives add a savory, briny flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
For an extra touch, sprinkle in the grated Romano cheese. The Romano cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the olives and enhances the dressing. If you’re including ham in your salad, now is the time to add it. The diced ham adds a savory richness to the salad, making it a more filling meal if desired.
Toss the salad gently to ensure all the ingredients are combined and coated with the dressing. The result should be a beautiful, vibrant salad with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Serving and Enjoying: A Timeless Classic
Your Authentic 1905 Salad is now ready to serve! This salad is best enjoyed immediately after tossing, as it’s at its freshest and most vibrant when the ingredients are crisp and the dressing has just been applied.
You can serve this salad as a side dish to any meal, but it also works wonderfully as a light lunch or starter. The salad’s tangy dressing, briny olives, and fresh vegetables make it a refreshing choice for any occasion. For added flavor, you can garnish with a little extra grated Romano or Parmesan cheese just before serving. This extra sprinkle of cheese adds an even more decadent finish to the dish.
Conclusion:
The Authentic 1905 Salad is a dish that has withstood the test of time for good reason. With its perfect combination of fresh ingredients and a tangy, homemade dressing, it’s a salad that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply as a refreshing meal for yourself, this salad will surely become a favorite in your household. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate the magic of Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad in your own kitchen. Enjoy the flavors of Florida’s rich culinary history with every bite of this iconic salad!
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