Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad is a refreshing, flavorful dish that brings a taste of Cuban cuisine right to your table. This salad features crisp iceberg lettuce, tender baked chicken, and a delightful garlic vinaigrette that ties everything together. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a light meal at home, this salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its vibrant colors and textures. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it stand out and ensures it will be a hit at any gathering.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Dressing
- For the Salad
- How to Make Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Step 3: Toss and Serve
- How to Serve Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- As a Main Course
- With Grilled Proteins
- On a Buffet Table
- With a Light Soup
- As a Side Dish
- How to Perfect Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- Best Side Dishes for Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- Reheating Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad unique?
- Can I customize Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad?
- How should I serve Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad?
- What are the benefits of using chicken instead of pork?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The garlic vinaigrette dressing adds a zesty kick that enhances the overall taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a side dish or as a main course for lunch or dinner.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this salad is both healthy and satisfying.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful ingredients make it an attractive addition to any meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Salad serving bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes it easy to julienne the chicken and chop vegetables quickly.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy tossing of the ingredients without spillage.

Ingredients
Columbia’s 1905 Salad – crisp iceberg lettuce with julienne baked chicken, Swiss cheese, tomato, olives, grated Romano cheese and tossed with a garlic vinaigrette dressing.
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white apple vinegar
- 2 tsp oregano (dried)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Salad
- 1 head iceberg lettuce (torn into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 ripe tomato (cut into eighths)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (julienned)
- 1 cup chicken (julienned)
- 8 ounces Spanish olives with pimentos
- 1/4 cup Romano cheese
How to Make Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Olive oil
2. White apple vinegar
3. Dried oregano
4. Minced garlic
5. Lemon juice
6. Worcestershire sauce
Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In your salad serving bowl:
1. Add the torn iceberg lettuce.
2. Layer in the tomato wedges.
3. Sprinkle on the julienned Swiss cheese.
4. Place the julienned chicken evenly over the top.
5. Add Spanish olives generously across the salad.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the serving bowl.
1. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with dressing.
2. Top with grated Romano cheese before serving.
Enjoy your refreshing Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad!
How to Serve Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Main Course
- Serve it as the star of your meal, paired with crusty bread for a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
With Grilled Proteins
- Complement the salad with grilled chicken or turkey. The smoky flavors will elevate the freshness of the salad.
On a Buffet Table
- This salad is perfect for gatherings. Its colorful presentation makes it an appealing choice for buffet-style meals.
With a Light Soup
- Pairing it with a light vegetable or chicken broth soup can create a balanced meal that’s both refreshing and filling.
As a Side Dish
- Serve it alongside hearty main dishes like grilled fish or roasted vegetables. It adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
How to Perfect Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
To truly master this refreshing dish, consider these helpful tips for preparation and presentation.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality cheeses will make your salad taste vibrant and flavorful.
Chill the ingredients: Refrigerate the salad components before serving. A cold salad enhances the overall eating experience.
Customize with toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings like avocado or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Whisk the dressing well: Ensure that your garlic vinaigrette is thoroughly mixed to evenly coat all the ingredients in the salad.
Best Side Dishes for Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: This warm, crispy bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender provides a delicious contrast to the crispness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a nutritious addition that pairs well with the salad.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and beans add both color and heartiness to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate and enhance the meal’s overall freshness.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs are an excellent side that adds comfort to this light dish.
- Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based dip balances the flavors of the salad and provides an interesting texture contrast.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds seasonal flair and pairs beautifully with the other flavors in your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes in preparing Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad will enhance your experience and outcome.
- Skipping the Garlic Vinaigrette: This dressing is essential for the authentic flavor. Always prepare it fresh, as it elevates the salad.
- Overlooking Ingredient Freshness: Using stale ingredients can ruin your dish. Make sure your vegetables and cheese are fresh for the best taste.
- Improperly Sizing Ingredients: Cutting chicken or cheese too large can make the salad difficult to eat. Aim for uniform julienne pieces to ensure a balanced bite.
- Not Tossing Enough: A good toss is key for an even distribution of flavors. Don’t skimp on this step; mix thoroughly before serving.
- Preparing Too Early: As this salad contains fresh ingredients, avoid making it too far ahead of time. Serve it right after preparation for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use within 3 days for the best quality.
Freezing Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh ingredients.
- If necessary, freeze only the chicken separately and add fresh components later.
Reheating Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- Oven: Not applicable for salads; serve cold.
- Microwave: Use with caution; warm only chicken if desired.
- Stovetop: Also not suitable; enjoy fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad.
What makes Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad unique?
Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad stands out due to its vibrant mix of flavors from fresh ingredients and a zesty garlic vinaigrette dressing.
Can I customize Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute ingredients like grilled vegetables or different cheeses based on your preferences.
How should I serve Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad?
Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or light main course during any meal.
What are the benefits of using chicken instead of pork?
Using chicken keeps the dish lighter while still offering a satisfying protein source that pairs well with other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste, making it an excellent addition to your recipe collection. Try it today and enjoy a refreshing twist on a classic dish!
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Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine. With crisp iceberg lettuce, tender julienned chicken, and a zesty garlic vinaigrette, this salad serves as a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Its eye-catching colors and robust flavors make it an excellent choice for gatherings, picnics, or a light weeknight dinner. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying, ensuring it will be a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 1 ripe tomato
- 1 cup julienned chicken
- 1 cup Swiss cheese
- 8 ounces Spanish olives
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white apple vinegar
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- In a large salad serving bowl, add torn iceberg lettuce, followed by tomato wedges, julienned chicken, Swiss cheese, and Spanish olives.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Top with grated Romano cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg