Elegant Columbia House Chopped Salad elevates the 1905 classic with finely chopped lettuce, ham, Swiss cheese, and olives. Tossed in a tangy garlic-Worcestershire dressing, this sophisticated yet approachable salad blends Tampa’s heritage with a modern twist, offering a crisp, flavorful bite in every spoonful.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Chopping Precision: Use a sharp knife to chop ingredients into small, uniform pieces—about ¼-inch dice—for a refined texture and even flavor distribution.
- Dressing Timing: Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp—overmixing can make it soggy.
- Cheese Freshness: Grate or julienne Swiss right before chopping to maintain its nutty flavor and avoid drying out.
- Olive Slicing: Slice olives thinly, then chop finely—they’ll blend seamlessly into every bite without overpowering.
- Chill Factor: Refrigerate the chopped components separately for up to an hour before assembling to keep everything cool and fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore this Elegant Columbia House Chopped Salad—it’s a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to present! Imagine a bowl filled with perfectly chopped iceberg lettuce, tender ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and briny green olives, all diced into tiny, elegant pieces that make every bite a harmonious burst of flavor. Then comes the dressing—a garlicky, tangy Worcestershire masterpiece that’s straight out of the Columbia’s 1905 playbook, coating every morsel with its zesty charm. You’ll love how this salad takes the rustic heart of Tampa’s iconic recipe and transforms it into something sophisticated yet totally approachable—perfect for a fancy dinner party, a chic lunch, or even a special family meal. The uniform chop makes it easy to scoop, ensuring you get a little bit of everything in each spoonful, while the crisp lettuce, savory ham, and salty olives dance together in a way that’s both familiar and fresh. It’s versatile enough to pair with grilled steak or a Cuban sandwich, yet elegant enough to stand alone as a light main course. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up—just a bit of chopping and a quick toss, and you’ve got a showstopper. This isn’t just a salad—it’s a refined celebration of Columbia’s heritage that’ll have you savoring every delicious, dainty bite!
Elegant Columbia House Chopped Salad
A finely chopped 1905-inspired salad with ham, Swiss, olives, and tangy garlic-Worcestershire dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce (about 4 cups chopped)
- ½ cup Swiss cheese, finely chopped
- ½ cup baked ham, finely chopped
- ½ cup pimiento-stuffed green Spanish olives, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
- ¼ cup extra-virgin Spanish olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Hey there, let’s whip up this Elegant Columbia House Chopped Salad—it’s going to be a classy little masterpiece! First, grab your iceberg lettuce and chop it into small, uniform pieces—about ¼-inch dice is perfect for that elegant vibe. Toss it into a big, happy bowl where it can shine as the crisp base. Next, take your Swiss cheese and ham—julienne them first if you like, then chop them into tiny cubes so they match the lettuce’s size. Add them to the bowl, imagining little bursts of nutty and savory goodness in every bite.
- Now, those green olives—slice them thin, then give them a fine chop so they blend right in. Toss them into the mix, followed by the cherry tomatoes—chop them small too, letting their juicy sweetness add a pop of color and flavor. Everything should look dainty and uniform, like a fancy confetti of deliciousness!
- Time for the dressing—let’s bring that 1905 magic to life! In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, minced garlic (chop it fresh for that zesty kick), Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, lemon juice (squeeze it fresh—watch those seeds!), and dried oregano. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then whisk it briskly or shake it up until it’s smooth and emulsified. Taste it—want more tang? Add a splash of lemon. More depth? A bit more Worcestershire. This dressing’s got that Columbia soul and it’s ready to elevate our salad!
- When you’re ready to serve, pour that tangy dressing over the chopped ingredients and toss gently with a spoon or tongs—get every little piece coated in that garlicky goodness. If you’ve got a few minutes, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld, but it’s stunning right away too. Serve it up in a pretty bowl or on small plates for that elegant touch—perfect as a refined side or a light main. Pair it with some crusty Cuban bread if you’re feeling fancy. You’ve just made a salad that’s part Tampa tradition, part sophisticated charm, and all delicious—enjoy every crisp, flavorful bite!
Notes
- For that 1905 authenticity, keep the ham and olives—they’re the Columbia heart of this dish.
- Chop everything ahead for quick assembly, but toss with dressing at the last minute for maximum crispness.
- Serve with a chilled white wine or sangria for a true Columbia-inspired experience!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 393Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 31gCholesterol 16mgSodium 217mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 6g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Iceberg Lettuce: The 1905 foundation, iceberg offers a cool, crisp crunch that’s ideal for chopping. Choose a tight, heavy head for maximum freshness.
- Swiss Cheese: A 1905 classic, Swiss brings nutty richness. Julienne or grate it before chopping finely for even distribution.
- Baked Ham: Another 1905 staple, ham adds savory depth. Use leftover baked ham or deli slices, diced into tiny cubes for elegance.
- Green Spanish Olives: Pimiento-stuffed olives lend a briny zing and Spanish flair. Slice thinly, then chop to blend their bold flavor throughout.
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin Spanish olive oil is key for the dressing—its fruity, robust note ties into Columbia’s heritage.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the dressing its 1905 punch—mince it fine for a smooth, bold infusion.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The 1905 secret, this adds tangy depth and umami—essential for that authentic Columbia taste.
- White Wine Vinegar: Bright and fruity, this vinegar lifts the dressing, balancing the richness of the cheese and ham.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, enhancing the salad’s fresh appeal.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These add a pop of color and subtle sweetness—chop them small to match the salad’s refined style.
Variations and Substitutions
- Greens Swap: Use romaine for a sturdier crunch or mixed greens for a lighter feel—chop finely to maintain the elegant style.
- Cheese Options: Swap Swiss for manchego for a Spanish twist, or cheddar for a sharper bite—dice it small either way.
- Protein Alternatives: Replace ham with turkey for a leaner option, prosciutto for a saltier edge, or skip it for a vegetarian version with extra olives or nuts.
- Olive Substitutes: Black olives or Kalamata can stand in for green Spanish—each shifts the brine profile, so adjust salt as needed.
- Tomato Variations: Use grape tomatoes instead of cherry, or swap for diced cucumber for a crisp, cool twist—keep the chop uniform.
- Dressing Tweaks: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a spicy kick, or swap white wine vinegar for balsamic for a deeper, sweeter note.
- Crunch Addition: Toss in finely chopped almonds or croutons for texture—they elevate the elegance with a subtle crunch.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store chopped components (lettuce, ham, cheese, olives, tomatoes) separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Dressing keeps separately for a week—assemble just before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Chop ingredients and prep dressing a day ahead; store separately and toss fresh when ready to maintain crispness.
- Freezing: Not recommended—lettuce wilts, and dressing separates. Enjoy fresh or refrigerated for best results!
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