Columbia’s Heritage 1905 Carrot and Raisin Salad fuses shredded carrots and sweet raisins with ham, Swiss cheese, and olives. Tossed in a tangy garlic-Worcestershire dressing with a creamy twist, this vibrant dish honors Tampa’s 1905 legacy while delivering a refreshing, crunchy salad with a delightful sweet-savory balance.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Carrot Shredding: Use a box grater or food processor for fine, even carrot shreds—too coarse, and they won’t soak up the dressing as well.
- Raisin Plump: Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before mixing to make them juicier and softer—drain well!
- Dressing Consistency: Whisk the dressing until creamy; if it’s too thick, thin it with a splash of lemon juice or water.
- Cheese Bite: Julienne Swiss for a chewy texture that stands out against the soft carrots and raisins—freshly cut is best.
- Chill Time: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after mixing—the flavors deepen, and the carrots soften slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Columbia’s Heritage 1905 Carrot and Raisin Salad—it’s a dish that’s as charming as it is delicious! Imagine the satisfying crunch of freshly shredded carrots mingling with the plump, sweet burst of raisins, all wrapped in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s spiked with garlic and Worcestershire—a nod to the Columbia’s legendary 1905 Salad. Then come the savory surprises: bits of julienned ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and briny green olives that weave in that Tampa heritage with every bite. You’ll love how this salad takes a classic carrot-raisin combo and elevates it with bold, unexpected flavors, turning a simple side into something unforgettable. It’s light yet hearty, sweet yet savory, and so easy to whip up—perfect for a picnic, a potluck, or a cozy dinner alongside roasted chicken or a Cuban sandwich. The way the dressing soaks into the carrots, the pop of raisins against the salty ham, and the crunch of every spoonful will have you hooked. Plus, it’s a fun twist on tradition—a little history, a little creativity, and a whole lot of yum that’ll make you smile with every bite. This isn’t just a salad—it’s a flavor adventure you’ll want to revisit time and time again!
Columbia’s Heritage 1905 Carrot and Raisin Salad
A 1905-inspired carrot-raisin salad with ham, Swiss, olives, and a creamy garlic-Worcestershire dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded carrots (about 5-6 medium carrots)
- ¾ cup raisins (golden or dark)
- ½ cup Swiss cheese, julienned
- ½ cup baked ham, julienned
- ½ cup pimiento-stuffed green Spanish olives, sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin Spanish olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Hey there, let’s dive into making this Columbia’s Heritage 1905 Carrot and Raisin Salad—it’s going to be a total delight! First, grab those carrots and shred them into about 4 cups of bright, crunchy goodness. Use a box grater or food processor—fine shreds are the way to go so they soak up all that yummy dressing. Toss them into a big, cheerful mixing bowl where they can stretch out and get comfy.
- Next, let’s plump up those raisins! Pop them into a small bowl, cover with warm water, and let them soak for 10 minutes—they’ll get juicy and soft. Drain them well and add them to the carrots—those little sweet bursts are going to shine!
- Now, the dressing—this is where the 1905 magic meets carrot salad charm! In a medium bowl, scoop in the mayonnaise—it’s the creamy hug we need. Add the minced garlic (chop it fresh for that zesty kick), Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice (squeeze it fresh—watch those seeds!), and that gorgeous Spanish olive oil. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper, then whisk it all together until it’s smooth and velvety. Taste it—want more tang? Add a splash of lemon. More depth? A bit more Worcestershire. This dressing’s got that Columbia vibe and it’s ready to rock!
- Time to bring it all together! Pour that creamy dressing over the carrots and raisins and give it a good toss—use a big spoon or your hands to get every shred coated. Now, add the julienned Swiss cheese and ham (thin strips make it so pretty), plus those sliced green olives for that briny pop. Toss it again, imagining you’re mixing a little Tampa history into every bite—the cheese adds a nutty chew, the ham brings savory joy, and the olives tie it all together.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chill time lets the flavors mingle and the carrots soften just a touch—it’s worth the wait! When you’re ready to serve, give it one last stir and dish it up as a vibrant side or a light snack. Pair it with some crusty Cuban bread if you’re feeling fancy. You’ve just made a salad that’s part heritage, part comfort, and all delicious—enjoy every sweet-savory spoonful!
Notes
- For that 1905 authenticity, don’t skip the ham and olives—they’re the Columbia soul of this dish.
- Soaking raisins is optional but recommended—they add a juicy pop that elevates the whole salad.
- Serve with a chilled iced tea or sangria for a true Columbia-inspired meal!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 224Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 18mgSodium 286mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 2gSugar 12gProtein 5g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots are the star—shred them yourself for the best texture and flavor. Orange carrots keep it classic, but rainbow ones add visual flair.
- Raisins: Golden or dark raisins work; golden bring a milder sweetness, while dark add a deeper, richer note. Soak them for extra juiciness.
- Swiss Cheese: A 1905 staple, Swiss offers nutty creaminess. Julienne it thinly for a chewy contrast to the soft carrots and raisins.
- Baked Ham: This 1905 classic adds savory depth. Use leftover baked ham or deli slices, julienned fine so it blends evenly.
- Green Spanish Olives: Pimiento-stuffed olives bring a briny zing and Spanish flair. Slice them thin to distribute their bold taste throughout.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing, mayo balances the tang. Opt for full-fat for richness or light for a leaner take.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that 1905 dressing punch—mince it fine so it infuses every bite without overpowering.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The 1905 secret weapon, this adds umami tang and ties the heritage flavors together—don’t skip it!
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing, cutting through the richness and lifting the carrots’ sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin Spanish olive oil adds a fruity robustness, echoing Columbia’s roots and smoothing the dressing’s texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Carrot Twist: Mix in shredded parsnips or sweet potatoes for an earthy-sweet variation—roast them lightly first for extra depth.
- Raisin Swap: Try dried cranberries or chopped dates instead of raisins—cranberries add tartness, dates bring a sticky sweetness.
- Cheese Options: Swap Swiss for cheddar for a sharper bite, or use feta crumbles for a salty tang that pairs with the olives.
- Meat Alternatives: Replace ham with turkey for a lighter feel, prosciutto for a saltier edge, or skip it for a vegetarian version with extra raisins or nuts.
- Olive Substitutes: Black olives or Kalamata can stand in for green Spanish—each shifts the flavor slightly, so adjust salt as needed.
- Dressing Tweaks: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangy, lighter dressing, or add a teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness to balance the Worcestershire.
- Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch—they echo the raisins and add a toasty layer.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors deepen, though carrots soften over time. Stir before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the dressing and shred carrots a day ahead; store separately and mix just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Freezing: Not recommended—mayo separates, and carrots lose their crunch. Enjoy this one fresh or refrigerated!
Dish Gallery
Please share this Columbia’s Heritage 1905 Carrot and Raisin Salad with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Columbia’s Classic 1905 Caesar Salad