Step into Tampa’s culinary history with the 1905 Salad – a flavor powerhouse that’s been delighting diners for generations. This isn’t just another salad; it’s a symphony of savory ingredients that transformed simple greens into an unforgettable dining experience.
Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant (est. 1905)
📅 Creation Date
1940s by a creative server
🏆 Recognition
Named one of America’s best salads by USA Today
🍴 Legacy
Still the restaurant’s signature dish after 80+ years
🎯 Why This Salad is Different
What Sets It Apart
The Secret
🧀 Cheese Method
Thick julienned Swiss strips, not grated
🥩 Protein Power
Generous julienned smoked ham throughout
🫒 Briny Burst
Pimento-stuffed olives & marinated artichokes
🥣 The Real Star
Bold, Worcestershire-spiked vinaigrette
🥬 Crunchy Base
Fresh iceberg lettuce for perfect texture
📋 Ingredients Breakdown
The Famous Dressing
Ingredient
Amount
Why It’s Essential
🫒 Olive oil
1/2 cup
Smooth, rich base
🧄 Garlic
4 cloves, minced
Aromatic power
🌿 Dried oregano
2 tsp
Italian essence
🍾 Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp
The secret weapon!
🍋 White wine vinegar
1/4 cup
Bright acidity
🍋 Lemon juice
From 1 lemon
Fresh citrus zing
🧂 Salt
1/2 tsp
Flavor enhancer
⚫ Black pepper
1/4 tsp
Subtle heat
The Salad Components
Ingredient
Amount
Notes
🥬 Iceberg lettuce
1 head, chopped
Crisp & fresh
🍅 Tomatoes
2, cut into wedges
Ripe & juicy
🧀 Swiss cheese
1 cup, julienned
Long, thick strips
🥩 Smoked ham
1 cup, julienned
Quality matters
🫒 Green olives
1/2 cup
Pimento-stuffed variety
🌿 Artichoke hearts
1 cup, quartered
Marinated, then halved
🧀 Parmesan
1/4 cup, grated
Final savory touch
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Create the Signature Dressing
1. Combine olive oil, minced garlic, and oregano
2. Add Worcestershire sauce (don't skimp!)
3. Whisk in vinegar and fresh lemon juice
4. Season with salt and pepper
5. Emulsify thoroughly and chill
2️⃣ Prepare the Salad Base
1. Chop iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces
2. Cut tomatoes into appealing wedges
3. Julienne Swiss cheese into thick strips
4. Julienne ham to match cheese size
5. Halve the quartered artichoke hearts
3️⃣ Assemble the Masterpiece
1. Place lettuce in a large bowl
2. Add tomatoes, cheese, ham, olives, and artichokes
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
4. Pour chilled dressing over everything
5. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients
6. Serve immediately while crisp
💡 Pro Tips for 1905 Perfection
Tip
Why It Matters
🔪 Julienne Technique
Thick strips of cheese and ham create better texture
🧊 Chill the Dressing
Allows flavors to meld and thicken properly
🥬 Keep Lettuce Crisp
Use cold lettuce and assemble just before serving
🧂 Don’t Fear the Salt
Olives, ham, and cheese are naturally salty
🍷 Perfect Pairing
Serve with crisp white wine or light beer
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Occasion
Serving Style
Light Meal
Serve solo with crusty bread
Tampa-Italian Feast
Pair with garlic bread or pasta
Elegant Starter
Smaller portions as first course
Summer Gathering
Double the recipe for crowds
📊 Recipe at a Glance
Category
Details
Course
Salad, Main Course
Cuisine
Tampa-Italian
Prep Time
20 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
4-6
🌟 Why It’s Called the 1905 Salad
The salad wasn’t actually created in 1905 – that’s when Columbia Restaurant opened its doors. The recipe was developed in the 1940s by a creative server, but the name pays homage to the restaurant’s founding year. This clever naming has helped cement its place in Tampa’s culinary history.
🎉 Flavor Profile Breakdown
Element
Contribution
Worcestershire
Umami foundation
Ham & Swiss
Savory backbone
Olives & Artichokes
Briny contrast
Parmesan
Salty finish
Tomatoes
Fresh balance
Garlic & Oregano
Aromatic depth
There you have it – the iconic 1905 Salad that proves sometimes the best recipes are those that break all the “salad rules.” With its assertive dressing and unapologetically bold ingredients, this Tampa treasure is guaranteed to become your new obsession!
