Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout
Love classic salads? This easy, better-than-takeout Columbia 1905 Salad with ham and Swiss cheese is a family favorite. After making it dozens of times, I’ve perfected the technique for crispy, fresh results. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe and Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill.
Why This Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy lettuce and ham
- Melty Swiss cheese
- Fresh, cozy flavors
- Better than takeout
What You'll Need for Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout
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
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Hard-boiled eggs
- Optional: Croutons
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Romaine lettuce: Iceberg or green leaf lettuce can be used as a substitute.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline slicer — Ensures thin, even slices for crispy results → See on Amazon
- Salad spinner — Dries lettuce quickly for crispier salad → See on Amazon
How to Make Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout
- Prepare ingredients: Thinly slice ham, cheese, and red onion. Dice tomatoes. Tear lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, ham, cheese, onion, and tomatoes. Pour dressing over top and toss to coat.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with hard-boiled eggs and croutons if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout
- Pro tip: Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overdress the salad. Start with less dressing and add more to taste.
- Pro tip: For a crunchier salad, add croutons just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Pro tip: For a lighter meal, use less ham and cheese, or add grilled chicken.
Storing & Reheating Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Salad can be made up to 1 day ahead. Dress just before serving.
Freezing Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout
Not recommended for this recipe.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Best substitution: Use bacon instead of ham for a smokier flavor.
- Make-ahead: Salad can be made up to 1 day ahead. Dress just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If salad is too dry, add more dressing. If it's too wet, add more lettuce or use a salad spinner to dry it further.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality chef's knife — Makes prep work faster and easier for crispier results → Check price on Amazon
Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce
- Ham
- Swiss cheese
- Red onion
- Tomatoes
Seasonings
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Croutons
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Thinly slice ham, cheese, and red onion. Dice tomatoes. Tear lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, ham, cheese, onion, and tomatoes. Pour dressing over top and toss to coat.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with hard-boiled eggs and croutons if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Best substitution: Use bacon instead of ham for a smokier flavor.
- Make-ahead: Salad can be made up to 1 day ahead. Dress just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If salad is too dry, add more dressing. If it's too wet, add more lettuce or use a salad spinner to dry it further.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Salad can be made up to 1 day ahead. Dress just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sat. Fat: 15g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, but dress it just before serving to prevent sogginess.
You may have used too much lettuce or not enough dressing. Adjust accordingly.
Yes, iceberg lettuce can be used as a substitute. It's crunchier but less flavorful.
This salad is high in protein and fiber, but it also contains high-calorie ingredients like ham and cheese. Enjoy in moderation.
Yes, for a heartier meal, add grilled chicken to this salad.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese – Better Than Takeout 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!
