1905 Salad

The 1905 Salad is a refreshing and flavorful classic, featuring a delightful combination of crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory smoked ham, and Swiss cheese. The zesty homemade vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together, creating a balanced and satisfying salad perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the ingredients needed for this fresh and delicious salad.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: 1/2 cup, for the base of the dressing.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, to add a savory aroma to the vinaigrette.
• Dried oregano: 2 teaspoons, for a herby flavor in the dressing.
• Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons, adding depth and tanginess to the dressing.
• White wine vinegar: 1/4 cup, for acidity and brightness in the salad.
• Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon, to enhance the freshness of the dressing.
• Salt and black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon and 1/4 teaspoon, respectively, to season the dressing.
• Iceberg lettuce: 1 head, chopped, for the crisp base of the salad.
• Tomatoes: 2, cut into wedges, for juiciness and color.
• Swiss cheese: 1 cup, julienned, adding a creamy and nutty flavor.
• Smoked ham: 1 cup, julienned, for a savory and hearty component.
• Green olives: 1/2 cup, pimento-stuffed, for a briny bite.
• Artichoke hearts: 1 cup, quartered and halved, to provide a tender and tangy addition.
• Parmesan or Romano cheese: 1/4 cup, grated, for a final touch of flavor.

Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped iceberg lettuce, tomato wedges, julienned Swiss cheese, julienned smoked ham, pimento-stuffed green olives, and marinated artichoke hearts.

Step 3:

Drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until well coated and combined.

Step 4:

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the salad for garnish.

Step 5:

Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh and vibrant flavors.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the 1905 Salad immediately after tossing with the dressing to enjoy its fresh and crisp flavors. It pairs well with grilled chicken or as a side for a steak dinner. If you need to store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and store the dressing in a small jar for up to a week. To refresh leftovers, add additional fresh lettuce and tomatoes, then drizzle with the dressing just before serving.

Helpful Notes

For a vegetarian option, omit the smoked ham and add more vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers. If you prefer a milder flavor, use black olives instead of green olives in the salad. To make the salad even heartier, add grilled chicken slices or shrimp for a protein boost.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Alton Brown recommends using fresh, crunchy lettuce for the best texture in your salads. Chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests chilling the salad bowl before mixing the ingredients to keep everything cold and fresh. Chef Bobby Flay advises lightly toasting the cheese for an extra layer of flavor before tossing it into the salad.