Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
The best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese is crisp, tangy, and smoky. After making this dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfect dressing. It’s so much better than takeout. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Vegan Dinner Recipe and Chilled Mediterranean Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup.
Why This Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese Is Pure Comfort
- Crisp lettuce and smoky ham
- Tangy dressing with a hint of sweetness
- Easy to make and better than takeout
What You'll Need for Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- romaine lettuce
- ham
- swiss cheese
- red onion
- celery
- apple cider vinegar
- sugar
- mustard
- salt
- pepper
- Optional: hard-boiled eggs
- Optional: croutons
📝 Ingredient Notes
- ham: Use leftover ham or buy pre-sliced ham from the deli.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline Slicer — Slices vegetables thinly and evenly for perfect salad texture. → See on Amazon
- Salad Spinner — Dries lettuce quickly and thoroughly for crisp salads. → See on Amazon
How to Make Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while you prepare the salad.
- Chop the vegetables: Thinly slice the lettuce, ham, and red onion. Chop the celery.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, ham, red onion, and celery. Toss with the dressing.
- Add toppings: Top with hard-boiled eggs and croutons if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-dress the salad. Start with half the dressing and add more to taste.
- Tip: For a heartier salad, add cooked chicken or bacon.
- Tip: Make the dressing ahead of time to let the flavors meld.
Storing & Reheating Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables up to a day ahead.
Freezing Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Not suitable for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a creamy version, add 1/4 cup mayonnaise to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute iceberg lettuce for romaine for a crunchier salad.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables up to a day ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe is easily scalable. Just adjust the ingredients proportionally.
- Troubleshooting: If the dressing is too tangy, add more sugar to taste.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality cutting board — Makes prep work easier and safer, and pays for itself vs takeout. → Check price on Amazon
Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- romaine lettuce
- ham
- swiss cheese
- red onion
- celery
Seasonings
- apple cider vinegar
- sugar
- mustard
- salt
- pepper
Optional Toppings
- hard-boiled eggs
- croutons
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while you prepare the salad.
- Chop the vegetables: Thinly slice the lettuce, ham, and red onion. Chop the celery.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, ham, red onion, and celery. Toss with the dressing.
- Add toppings: Top with hard-boiled eggs and croutons if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a creamy version, add 1/4 cup mayonnaise to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute iceberg lettuce for romaine for a crunchier salad.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables up to a day ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe is easily scalable. Just adjust the ingredients proportionally.
- Troubleshooting: If the dressing is too tangy, add more sugar to taste.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not suitable for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables up to a day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sat. Fat: 7g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese FAQs
Yes, prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables up to a day ahead. Dress the salad just before serving.
You may have used too much vinegar or not enough sugar. Start with half the vinegar and adjust to taste.
Yes, this salad is perfect for any season. It's hearty and comforting, making it a great winter dish.
Yes, you can substitute the Swiss cheese with your favorite cheese. Gouda or cheddar work well.
Don't dress the salad until just before serving. Also, make sure your lettuce is thoroughly dried.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
