1905 Salad

1905 Salad Recipe from Cuba and Switzerland with Ham, Swiss Cheese, and Spanish Olives

Region / culture: Cuba, Switzerland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

The 1905 Salad is a timeless classic that has graced dining tables for over a century. This salad is renowned for its unique blend of flavors and textures, combining crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory ham, and Swiss cheese, all topped with a tangy and flavorful dressing. It's a dish that pays homage to the simplicity and elegance of early 20th-century cuisine while remaining a beloved choice for today's diners seeking a refreshing and satisfying meal.

History

The 1905 Salad owes its origins to the early 1900s, a period marked by culinary innovation and the blending of cultural food traditions. Named after the year it was believed to have been created, this salad reflects the simplicity and wholesomeness of the era's cooking. It was during this time that salads began to gain popularity as a standalone dish rather than just a side, and the 1905 Salad emerged as a testament to this culinary evolution. Over the years, it has been passed down through generations, each adding their own touch, but always staying true to the salad's original charm and flavors.

Ingredients

Salad

1 medium iceberg lettuce, chopped
4 tomatoes, diced
0.5 lb (227 g) swiss cheese, julienned
6 oz (170 g) ham, julienned
0.67 cup spanish olives, pitted
3 tsp romano cheese, grated
1 lemon, juiced

Dressing

0.25 cup white vinegar
1 cup olive oil
8 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
salt, to taste
ground black pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Place lettuce in a mixing bowl.
Add tomatoes, ham, and cheese.
Top with Spanish olives.
Pour dressing on top and sprinkle grated romano cheese and lemon juice.
Toss all ingredients together and serve on chilled plates.

Dressing

Put minced garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce into a bowl.
Whisk until smooth.
Gradually add oil and finally add vinegar, while continuously beating.

Variations

To customize the 1905 Salad, consider adding avocado slices for extra creaminess or substituting the ham with grilled chicken for a different protein option. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more cheese or tofu.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham or substitute it with grilled tofu or chickpeas. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a different flavor profile.
To customize the 1905 Salad, consider adding avocado slices for creaminess, replacing ham with grilled chicken for a different protein source, or including a variety of lettuces for added texture and flavor diversity.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the 1905 Salad turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use fresh and crisp iceberg lettuce as the base for the best texture.

- Julienne the ham and Swiss cheese in similar sizes for uniformity in every bite.

- For the dressing, emulsify the olive oil and vinegar properly to create a smooth and cohesive flavor.

- Allow the dressing to marinate with the minced garlic and oregano for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.

- Chill the plates before serving to keep the salad cool and refreshing.

Serving Suggestions

The 1905 Salad is best served chilled on a hot summer day or as a refreshing side to a hearty meal. It pairs well with crusty bread, a glass of crisp white wine, or a light soup for a complete dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing the 1905 Salad lies in the dressing. Emulsifying the olive oil and vinegar properly creates a smooth and flavorful dressing that coats the salad ingredients evenly. Tossing the salad gently ensures that all components are well-distributed without crushing the delicate lettuce.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add chickpeas or tofu for protein. If Swiss cheese isn't available, try using provolone or mozzarella for a similar taste and texture. Red wine vinegar can replace white vinegar in the dressing for a deeper flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing for the 1905 Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Assemble the salad ingredients just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the 1905 Salad on a large platter for a family-style meal, or in individual bowls for a more formal presentation. Garnish with extra grated cheese and a sprinkle of oregano to enhance the visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, such as grilled salmon or shrimp, and complements the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. A light, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon would complete the meal perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The 1905 Salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not store well once dressed. If necessary, store undressed salad ingredients separately in the refrigerator and combine with the dressing just before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of the 1905 Salad contains approximately 300-350 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option that fits well into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

The 1905 Salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the tomatoes and olives. One serving of this salad contains approximately 8-10 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The fats in the 1905 Salad come mainly from the olive oil in the dressing and the Swiss cheese. These are healthier fats, particularly the monounsaturated fats from the olive oil, which are beneficial for heart health. A serving of this salad contains about 22 grams of fat, with a significant portion being healthy fats.

Proteins

This salad is a good source of protein, thanks to the ham and Swiss cheese. Each serving provides approximately 15-20 grams of protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

The 1905 Salad offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the tomatoes and lemon juice, calcium and Vitamin D from the cheese, and iron from the olives. These nutrients support overall health, from bone strength to immune function.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this salad include dairy (from the cheese) and potential gluten cross-contamination from the ham, depending on the brand. Those with allergies should modify the recipe accordingly or ensure that all ingredients are safe for their dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, the 1905 Salad is a nutritious and balanced dish, offering a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a wholesome choice for anyone looking for a satisfying and health-conscious meal.

Summary

The 1905 Salad is a classic dish that combines the freshness of vegetables with the richness of ham and cheese, all brought together by a tangy dressing. It's a versatile salad that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences, making it a timeless favorite for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a side dish for a family dinner, the 1905 Salad offers a delicious and nutritious option that's sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a warm summer day in 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, for our weekly tea and gossip session. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her exquisite taste in cuisine, and she had a knack for finding the most delicious recipes from all over the world.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on our tea, Mrs. Jenkins pulled out a faded recipe card from her recipe box. She told me that she had recently come across a recipe for a salad called the 1905 Salad. She had received it from a friend who had traveled to the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida and had raved about this salad.

Mrs. Jenkins read the ingredients out loud to me: iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, baked ham, Swiss cheese, green olives, Romano cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of lemon juice. It sounded like a unique combination of flavors that I had never tried before.

I watched intently as Mrs. Jenkins prepared the salad, layering the ingredients in a beautiful wooden salad bowl. She explained to me that the salad was named after the year the Columbia Restaurant first opened its doors, and that it had become a beloved dish among its patrons.

As we sat down to enjoy the salad, I took my first bite and was immediately blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The crispness of the lettuce, the sweetness of the tomatoes, the saltiness of the ham and cheese, and the tanginess of the dressing all came together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make the 1905 Salad myself. Mrs. Jenkins kindly shared the recipe with me, and I began practicing making it at home for my family. Over time, I made a few tweaks to the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding a bit more garlic and oregano for extra flavor.

I remember the first time I made the 1905 Salad for my husband and children. They were skeptical at first, unsure of how all the ingredients would come together. But as soon as they took their first bite, their faces lit up with delight. They couldn't believe how delicious it was, and they begged me to make it again and again.

As the years went by, the 1905 Salad became a staple in our household. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. People would ask me for the recipe, and I would happily share it with them, just as Mrs. Jenkins had shared it with me.

I never could have imagined that a chance encounter with a recipe would lead to such a beloved dish in my family. The 1905 Salad has become more than just a recipe to me – it's a reminder of the joy that food can bring, the memories that can be created around a shared meal, and the connections that can be formed through a love of cooking.

To this day, whenever I make the 1905 Salad, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the day she introduced me to this special recipe. I am forever grateful to her for expanding my culinary horizons and inspiring me to become the cook that I am today. And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making the 1905 Salad, passing down the recipe from generation to generation.