Columbia’s Classic 1905 Caesar Salad blends the 1905 Salad’s heritage—crisp lettuce, ham, Swiss cheese, and olives—with a creamy Caesar twist. Tossed in a tangy garlic-Worcestershire dressing with anchovy undertones and topped with crunchy croutons, it’s a bold, flavorful fusion of Tampa tradition and Caesar elegance.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Crouton Crunch: Bake croutons at 375°F with a light olive oil drizzle for 10-12 minutes—watch closely for golden perfection without burning.
- Dressing Balance: Blend the dressing until creamy; taste and adjust anchovy or lemon for your preferred salty-tangy kick.
- Cheese Prep: Julienne Swiss for texture, but grate a little Parmesan too—it’s the Caesar touch that ties it all together.
- Chill Factor: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes after tossing to meld flavors, but add croutons last for crispness.
- Anchovy Hack: Mash anchovies into a paste with a fork before blending—they’ll melt into the dressing seamlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, you’re going to adore this Columbia’s Classic 1905 Caesar Salad—it’s a dish that’s equal parts nostalgia and pure deliciousness! Imagine the crisp, cool bite of romaine lettuce (with a nod to the 1905’s iceberg roots), layered with savory julienned ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and those briny green olives that scream Columbia tradition. Then comes the dressing—a creamy, garlicky masterpiece that marries the 1905’s Worcestershire tang with the rich, umami punch of a classic Caesar, thanks to anchovies and a splash of lemon. Top it off with homemade croutons that crunch with every bite, and you’ve got a salad that’s a total flavor party. You’ll love how it takes the spirit of Tampa’s legendary Columbia Restaurant and gives it a Caesar glow-up—familiar yet fresh, hearty yet light. It’s perfect as a starter for a fancy dinner, a standout side with a Cuban sandwich, or even a meal all on its own when you’re craving something satisfying. The dressing’s velvety texture, the interplay of salty and tangy, and the way it comes together so easily will have you hooked. Plus, it’s a conversation starter—everyone will want to know the story behind this clever mashup. This isn’t just a salad—it’s a love letter to bold flavors and culinary creativity that’ll keep you coming back for more!
Columbia’s Classic 1905 Caesar Salad
A 1905-Caesar fusion with ham, Swiss, olives, creamy garlic dressing, and croutons.
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce (about 6 cups chopped)
- ½ cup Swiss cheese, julienned
- ½ cup baked ham, julienned
- ½ cup pimiento-stuffed green Spanish olives, sliced
- 2 anchovy fillets, mashed into a paste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided: 1 tablespoon for croutons, 3 tablespoons for dressing)
- 2 cups day-old bread (Cuban or French), cubed into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Hey, let’s whip up this Columbia’s Classic 1905 Caesar Salad—it’s going to be a total treat! First, let’s make those croutons because who doesn’t love a crunchy topping? Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab your day-old bread—Cuban if you’ve got it for that Columbia nod—and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Toss them on a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of pepper. Spread them out evenly and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crisp. The kitchen’s going to smell like a bakery—yum! Set them aside to cool.
- Now, the dressing—this is where the magic happens! In a blender or a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic (chop it fresh for that zesty kick), mashed anchovies (just smush them with a fork), Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then blend or whisk until it’s creamy and smooth. Taste it—want more tang? Add a splash of lemon. More saltiness? A touch more anchovy or Worcestershire. This dressing’s got that 1905 flair with a Caesar twist, and it’s ready to shine!
- Time to build this beauty! Chop your romaine into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a big, happy bowl—it’s the perfect canvas for all these flavors. Add the julienned Swiss cheese and ham (thin strips make it so pretty), then scatter in those sliced green olives for that briny pop. Pour that creamy dressing over everything and toss gently with tongs—get every leaf coated in that garlicky goodness. If you’ve got a few minutes, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld, but it’s great right away too.
- Just before serving, sprinkle those golden croutons on top—don’t mix them in too early or they’ll soften. If you’re feeling extra Caesar-y, dust it with a little grated Parmesan for that classic finish. Serve it up as a standout side or a light main, maybe with some warm Cuban bread on the side. You’ve just made a salad that’s part Tampa legend, part Caesar dream, and all delicious—dig in and enjoy every fabulous bite!
Notes
- For a true 1905 nod, keep the ham and olives—they’re Columbia essentials—but the anchovies and croutons bring the Caesar flair.
- Make extra croutons; they’re irresistible for snacking while you cook!
- Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or sangria for the full Columbia vibe.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 326Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 29mgSodium 519mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 8g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Romaine Lettuce: The Caesar backbone, romaine offers a sturdy crunch that holds up to the creamy dressing. Choose fresh, dark green heads and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Swiss Cheese: A 1905 staple, Swiss brings mild, nutty richness. Julienne it for texture, keeping that Columbia vibe alive.
- Baked Ham: Another 1905 classic, ham adds savory depth. Use leftover baked ham or deli slices, julienned thinly for even distribution.
- Green Spanish Olives: Pimiento-stuffed olives deliver a briny pop and Spanish flair. Slice them thin to blend their flavor throughout.
- Anchovy Fillets: The Caesar secret, anchovies give the dressing its umami soul. Opt for oil-packed fillets and rinse if you’re salt-sensitive.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for that 1905-Caesar crossover punch—mince it fine for maximum infusion.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of this dressing, mayo smooths out the tang. Use a good-quality brand or homemade for richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A 1905 essential, this adds tangy depth and ties the two styles together—don’t skip it!
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens the dressing, balancing the richness. One lemon usually does the trick.
- Day-Old Bread: Perfect for croutons, stale bread soaks up olive oil and crisps beautifully. Cuban or French bread nods to Columbia’s roots.
Variations and Substitutions
- Greens Swap: Use iceberg for a truer 1905 feel, or mix romaine with kale for extra heft—both hold the dressing well.
- Cheese Options: Swap Swiss for all Parmesan for a full Caesar vibe, or try manchego for a Spanish twist that fits the olives.
- Meat Alternatives: Replace ham with prosciutto for a saltier bite, grilled chicken for a heartier meal, or skip it for a vegetarian take with extra olives.
- Olive Switch: Black olives or Kalamata can sub for green Spanish—each brings a different salty note, so adjust seasoning as needed.
- Anchovy Alternatives: If anchovies aren’t your thing, capers mashed into a paste mimic that briny depth with a milder flavor.
- Dressing Tweaks: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter, tangier dressing, or add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra zing.
- Crouton Variations: Swap bread for gluten-free croutons, or sprinkle with garlic powder or herbs for a flavor boost.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store undressed salad components (lettuce, ham, cheese, olives) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Dressing keeps separately for a week. Add croutons just before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prep dressing and croutons up to 2 days ahead—store croutons at room temp in a sealed bag, dressing in the fridge.
- Freezing: Not recommended—lettuce wilts, and dressing separates. Enjoy fresh for the best texture and taste!
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