Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
The best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese is crispy, creamy, and full of flavor. After making this dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect crunchy topping. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Sriracha Aioli and Easy Summer Peach Chia Pudding with Almonds.
Why This Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy, golden topping
- Creamy, tangy dressing
- Perfect balance of flavors
- Easy to make ahead
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
- Ham
- Swiss cheese
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Ritz crackers
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: Pecans
- Optional: Bacon
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Romaine lettuce: You can substitute with green leaf or butter lettuce.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Ensures even crumbs for the topping. → See on Amazon
- Salad spinner — Gets lettuce dry for the perfect crunch. → See on Amazon
How to Make Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Prepare the topping: Crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Prepare the dressing: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Chop lettuce, slice ham and cheese, and quarter hard-boiled eggs. Toss with dressing and top with cracker topping and optional pecans.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overbake the topping. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Substitution: You can substitute the ham with turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the topping and dressing ahead of time. Store separately and assemble before serving.
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 for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare topping and dressing ahead of time.
Freezing Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use day-old bread for the topping for extra crunch.
- Best substitution: Substitute the Swiss cheese with Gouda or Cheddar for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the topping and dressing ahead of time. Store separately and assemble before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If your dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
Quality non-stick skillet — Ensures even toasting of the cracker topping. → Check price on Amazon
Best Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce
- Iceberg lettuce
- Ham
- Swiss cheese
- Hard-boiled eggs
Seasonings
- Ritz crackers
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
Optional Toppings
- Pecans
- Bacon
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the topping: Crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Prepare the dressing: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Chop lettuce, slice ham and cheese, and quarter hard-boiled eggs. Toss with dressing and top with cracker topping and optional pecans.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use day-old bread for the topping for extra crunch.
- Best substitution: Substitute the Swiss cheese with Gouda or Cheddar for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the topping and dressing ahead of time. Store separately and assemble before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If your dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare topping and dressing ahead of time.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 15g
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 topping and dressing ahead of time. Store separately and assemble before serving.
Overbaking is the most common reason. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Yes, substitute the Swiss cheese with Gouda or Cheddar for a different flavor.
This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
Yes, substitute with green leaf or butter lettuce.
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!
