Ensalada 1905

We have good friends near Sarasota, Florida, whom we visit every year. They took us to the Columbia Restaurant, which specializes in Spanish cuisine. Their Original “1905” Salad commemorates a 100+ year old family recipe and the year they opened the original Columbia Restaurant in Tampa. The ingredients are simple, but the combination with the vinaigrette is just delicious.

Source: 1905 Salad, The Columbia Restaurant Spanish Cookbook

Ingredients
½ head iceberg lettuce
2 ripe tomatoes, cut in eighths
2 stalks celery, sliced
½ cup Swiss cheese, cut in julienne strips
½ cup ham, cut in julienne strips (or turkey or shrimp)
¼ cup green Spanish olives, pitted
2 teaspoons grated Romano cheese

Dressing
⅛ cup white wine vinegar
½ cup extra-virgin Spanish olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions
Mix garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Beat until smooth with a wire whisk. Add olive oil, gradually beating to form an emulsion. Stir in vinegar and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Add dressing to salad and toss well. Add Romano cheese and toss one more time. Serves 4.