Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that brings Cuban cuisine right to your table. This salad stands out with its crisp iceberg lettuce, savory chicken ham, and zesty garlic vinaigrette. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick lunch at home, it marries flavors that appeal to everyone. Its unique combination of textures and tastes makes it a crowd-pleaser while being simple enough for novice cooks to recreate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Swiss cheese and garlic vinaigrette offers a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
• Healthy Option: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean proteins, this salad is as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a side or main course, it complements various meals and occasions.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Its unique taste profile makes it a hit at family gatherings or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These will make your cooking experience smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Salad serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the salad ingredients and dressing thoroughly.
• Whisk: Helps in blending the garlic vinaigrette smoothly for an even flavor distribution.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for vegetables and meats, enhancing presentation.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients without damaging your countertops.

Ingredients

Columbia’s 1905 Salad – crisp iceberg lettuce with julienne baked chicken ham, Swiss cheese, tomato, olives, grated Romano cheese and tossed with a garlic vinaigrette dressing.

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white apple vinegar
• 2 tsp oregano (dried)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Salad

• 1 head iceberg lettuce (torn into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 ripe tomato (cut into eighths)
• 1 cup Swiss cheese (julienned)
• 1 cup chicken ham (julienned)
• 8 ounces Spanish olives with pimentos
• 1/4 cup Romano cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine olive oil, white apple vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Whisk until well blended.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

On a cutting board:
1. Tear the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cut the ripe tomatoes into eighths.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad serving bowl:
1. Add the torn iceberg lettuce and tomato pieces.
2. Layer in julienned Swiss cheese and chicken ham.
3. Sprinkle Spanish olives over the top.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad:
1. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
2. Finish by topping with grated Romano cheese.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salad before serving:
1. Enjoy this refreshing dish immediately for best flavor!

How to Serve Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad

Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad is a vibrant dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate the meal.

Family Style

• Serve the salad in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves. This communal style encourages sharing and makes it perfect for family gatherings.

Individual Portions

• For a more formal presentation, plate individual servings. This allows each guest to enjoy their own beautifully arranged salad, making it suitable for dinner parties.

As a Side Dish

• Pair the salad with main dishes like grilled chicken or fish. The crispness of the salad complements heavier meals, providing a refreshing contrast.

On a Buffet

• Include this salad on a buffet table. Its colorful ingredients and appealing flavors make it an attractive option that guests will love to try.

As a Light Lunch

• Enjoy it as a light lunch option. Its satisfying components make it filling enough to keep you energized throughout the day without feeling heavy.

How to Perfect Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad

To achieve the best version of Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad, consider these helpful tips that will enhance its flavor and presentation.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality cheese will bring out the best flavors in your salad.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the taste and provides a refreshing crunch.
• Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to add more garlic or vinegar based on your personal preference for added zing.
• Layer ingredients: When assembling, layer the ingredients starting with lettuce, then adding other components. This creates an eye-catching look and ensures even distribution of flavors.
• Garnish wisely: Use extra Romano cheese or fresh herbs as garnish for an elevated presentation.
• Make ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately until ready to serve. This helps maintain the freshness of the salad ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad

Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that can complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread adds a deliciously savory touch.
2. Deviled Eggs: Creamy and flavorful, deviled eggs make for an easy-to-eat side that balances well with the salad’s freshness.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection offer smoky flavors that contrast beautifully with the crispness of the salad.
4. Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains add a hint of sweetness that harmonizes nicely with the savory elements of the salad.
5. Rice and Beans: A classic Cuban combo, this hearty side offers protein and fiber while complementing the dish’s vibrant taste.
6. Corn Fritters: These sweet fritters provide a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs perfectly with tangy salads.
7. Cuban Sandwiches: Mini sandwiches filled with meats and cheese make for a hearty addition alongside this light meal.
8. Tostones (Fried Green Plantains): These crispy bites provide an enjoyable textural contrast while offering mild flavor enhancement.

Enjoy your Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad with any of these delicious sides!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

• Using stale ingredients: Always choose fresh produce and meats. Stale lettuce or old cheese can ruin the salad’s flavor and texture. Check your ingredients before you start.
• Skipping the garlic vinaigrette: The dressing is essential for this recipe. Don’t skip it or use store-bought versions; homemade adds the best flavor. Follow the recipe closely for optimal taste.
• Overcrowding the salad bowl: If you add too many ingredients at once, you may not get an even distribution of flavors. Toss each component gently in smaller batches to ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Ignoring ingredient proportions: Stick to the specified amounts for each ingredient. Adding too much of one component can overwhelm the dish and alter its intended taste.
• Not chilling before serving: This salad is best served cold. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after preparing to enhance its flavors.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep the dressing separate if possible, to maintain freshness.

Freezing Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the ingredients’ texture changes.
• If you must freeze, only freeze the chicken ham and cheese separately.
• Use freezer-safe containers if storing components.

Reheating Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad unique?

Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad stands out due to its combination of fresh ingredients and a signature garlic vinaigrette that enhances every bite with robust flavors.

Can I customize Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand.

How do I make Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 dressing?

The dressing includes olive oil, white apple vinegar, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce blended together for a zesty flavor that complements the salad perfectly.

Is Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad healthy?

Yes! With fresh vegetables and lean proteins, this salad is nutritious while being satisfying. You can adjust portions to fit your dietary needs as well.

Final Thoughts

Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows for customization based on personal preferences or seasonal ingredients. Give this refreshing salad a try, and enjoy its vibrant taste!

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Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 20 minute
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of Cuban cuisine to your table. Featuring crisp iceberg lettuce, savory chicken ham, and a zesty garlic vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to quick lunches at home. Its unique combination of textures and tastes will please even the pickiest eaters, while its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for novice cooks looking to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head of iceberg lettuce
• 1 cup julienned chicken ham
• 1 cup julienned Swiss cheese
• 1 ripe tomato
• 8 ounces Spanish olives
• Grated Romano cheese for topping
• Garlic vinaigrette (olive oil, white apple vinegar, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, white apple vinegar, oregano, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to create the dressing.
2. Tear the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and cut the tomato into eighths.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the torn lettuce and tomato. Layer with chicken ham and Swiss cheese. Add Spanish olives on top.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients. Top with grated Romano cheese.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to enhance taste. Customize by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.