The Columbia's 1905 Salad Recipe is an iconic dish from the oldest Spanish restaurant in the Tampa area right in the heart of Ybor City, FL. A Tampa classic with cool and crisp lettuce with Swiss cheese, ham, tomatoes, celery, and Spanish olives is married to a tangy delicious homemade salad dressing that has a unique flavor.
Combine the chopped lettuce, sliced celery, tomato slices, Swiss cheese, ham, green olives, and Parmesan cheese in a large salad bowl. Toss to combine, and set aside.
Mix the dressing ingredients
Combine into a small bowl or jar the extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, oregano, and minced garlic. Salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Whisk together, or shake if in jar.
Finish the salad
Add the dressing to the salad then toss to coat. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to two days.
Notes
The salad dressing can be made ahead, and the salad ingredients combined. Wait until just prior to serving to mix together the dressing and salad.You can chop or shred the lettuce either is fine. Dried oregano is fine but you can also use fresh.You call to leave out the salt and pepper to allow folks to taste their palate instead of putting it in the dressing. Note nutritional information is for the salad served as a side salad and not the main course.