Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
The Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese is a crispy, fresh twist on a classic. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it light and crunchy. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a holiday gathering. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill and Easy Mango Glazed Chicken Recipe with Sweet and Spicy Flavor.
Why This Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy lettuce and crunchy veggies
- Melty Swiss cheese and savory ham
- Easy to make and customize
- Better than takeout and perfect for any occasion
What You'll Need for Best 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
- Iceberg lettuce
- Honey-baked ham
- Swiss cheese
- Red onion
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Hard-boiled eggs
- Optional: Bacon bits
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Romaine lettuce: You can also use all iceberg lettuce if preferred.
- Honey-baked ham: Regular deli ham works too.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline slicer — Ensures even, thin slices for perfect texture. → See on Amazon
- Salad spinner — Keeps your greens crisp and dry for the perfect salad base. → See on Amazon
How to Make Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Prepare the lettuce: Wash and dry the lettuce. Thinly slice the romaine and iceberg lettuce using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced lettuce, sliced ham, and diced Swiss cheese. Top with sliced red onion and your choice of toppings.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad just before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overdress the salad. Add dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Pro tip: For a shortcut, use bagged salad mix and pre-sliced ham.
- Pro tip: To make it a meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
Storing & Reheating Best 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 salad and dressing separately up to 1 day ahead. Combine just before serving.
Freezing Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute the Swiss cheese with your favorite cheese, like cheddar or provolone.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your salad is too dry, add a bit more dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice.
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Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce
- Iceberg lettuce
- Honey-baked ham
- Swiss cheese
- Red onion
Seasonings
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Bacon bits
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce: Wash and dry the lettuce. Thinly slice the romaine and iceberg lettuce using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced lettuce, sliced ham, and diced Swiss cheese. Top with sliced red onion and your choice of toppings.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad just before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute the Swiss cheese with your favorite cheese, like cheddar or provolone.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your salad is too dry, add a bit more dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Prepare the salad and dressing separately up to 1 day ahead. Combine just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sat. Fat: 7g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese FAQs
Yes, prepare the salad and dressing separately up to 1 day ahead. Combine just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Overdressing the salad or letting it sit too long before serving can cause it to wilt. See pro tips for prevention.
Yes, feel free to customize this salad with your favorite veggies, like cucumber, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on any store-bought ingredients, like ham or cheese, to ensure they are gluten-free.
Absolutely! This classic salad is perfect for any holiday or special occasion. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Best 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!
