Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
The classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese is a crispy, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect dressing. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Chocolate Rolls with Creamy Vanilla Filling Recipe and Fresh Spring Roll Bowl with Creamy Peanut Sauce.
Why This Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy lettuce and crunchy ham
- Creamy, tangy dressing
- Easy to make and customize
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
- Deli ham
- Swiss cheese
- Red onion
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Pecans
- Optional: Bacon bits
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Romaine lettuce: Iceberg or green leaf lettuce can be used as a substitute.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Saves time and ensures even chopping. → See on Amazon
- Salad spinner — Removes excess water for crispier lettuce. → See on Amazon
How to Make Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Chop the lettuce: Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl.
- Add toppings: Chop deli ham and Swiss cheese into small pieces. Add to the bowl with lettuce. Thinly slice red onion and add to the bowl. Quarter hard-boiled eggs and add to the bowl.
- Toss with dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Add optional toppings if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overdress the salad. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed to prevent a soggy salad.
- Substitution: For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more cheese or chickpeas.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day ahead. Store separately and toss before serving.
Storing & Reheating Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Dressing can be made up to 1 day ahead. Chop vegetables up to 1 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 spicy version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day ahead. Store separately and toss before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality deli meat slicer — Ensures even, thin slices for perfect texture. → Check price on Amazon
Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce
- Deli ham
- Swiss cheese
- Red onion
- Hard-boiled eggs
Seasonings
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- Pecans
- Bacon bits
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Chop the lettuce: Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl.
- Add toppings: Chop deli ham and Swiss cheese into small pieces. Add to the bowl with lettuce. Thinly slice red onion and add to the bowl. Quarter hard-boiled eggs and add to the bowl.
- Toss with dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Add optional toppings if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day ahead. Store separately and toss before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover salad 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: Dressing can be made up to 1 day ahead. Chop vegetables up to 1 day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sat. Fat: 8g
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 a day ahead. Store separately and toss before serving.
The exact origin is unknown, but it's believed to have been created in the 1900s in the Columbia, South Carolina area.
No, this recipe is not suitable for the air fryer.
Chopped avocado or chickpeas can be used as a substitute.
Overdressing the salad is the most common reason for a soggy salad. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
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!
