Cozy Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Craving a cozy classic? Try this easy, better-than-takeout Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the crispy lettuce and melty cheese combo that’ll make your family beg for more. The trick I discovered is using day-old bread for the perfect crunch. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Grilled Asparagus with Tangy Tahini Lemon Sauce and Refreshing Korean Strawberry Milk Recipe for Summer.
Why This Cozy Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy lettuce and crunchy croutons
- Melty Swiss cheese in every bite
- Easy, better-than-takeout recipe
- Perfect for cozy nights in
What You'll Need for Cozy 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
- Day-old French bread
- Deli ham
- Swiss cheese
- Red onion
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Hard-boiled eggs
- Optional: Bacon bits
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Day-old French bread: Stale bread works best for croutons.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Saves time and ensures even crouton sizes. → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Achieves the perfect crispy croutons. → See on Amazon
How to Make Cozy Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Prepare croutons: Tear bread into bite-sized pieces. Toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
- Chop lettuce: Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl.
- Prepare toppings: Dice ham, Swiss cheese, and red onion. Add to the bowl with lettuce.
- Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: Add croutons to the bowl with lettuce and toppings. Pour dressing over the top. Toss to combine.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
- : Use day-old bread for the best croutons.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-dress the salad. Start with less dressing and add more to taste.
- : For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or turkey.
- : To make ahead, prepare croutons and chop lettuce and toppings. Store separately and assemble before serving.
Storing & Reheating Cozy 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: Croutons can be made up to 2 days ahead. Chop lettuce and toppings up to 1 day ahead.
Freezing Cozy Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat croutons in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Microwave: Not recommended for reheating.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños.
- Best substitution: Substitute provolone or gouda cheese for Swiss.
- Make-ahead: Prepare croutons and chop lettuce and toppings ahead of time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If croutons are too soft, bake them longer or at a higher temperature.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality olive oil — Enhances the flavor of the croutons and dressing. → Check price on Amazon
Cozy Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce
- Day-old French bread
- Deli ham
- Swiss cheese
- Red onion
Seasonings
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Bacon bits
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare croutons: Tear bread into bite-sized pieces. Toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
- Chop lettuce: Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl.
- Prepare toppings: Dice ham, Swiss cheese, and red onion. Add to the bowl with lettuce.
- Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: Add croutons to the bowl with lettuce and toppings. Pour dressing over the top. Toss to combine.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños.
- Best substitution: Substitute provolone or gouda cheese for Swiss.
- Make-ahead: Prepare croutons and chop lettuce and toppings ahead of time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If croutons are too soft, bake them longer or at a higher temperature.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat croutons in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended for reheating.
- Make ahead: Croutons can be made up to 2 days ahead. Chop lettuce and toppings up to 1 day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sat. Fat: 9g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Cozy Classic Columbia 1905 Salad with Ham and Swiss Cheese FAQs
Yes, croutons can be made up to 2 days ahead.
Over-dressing the salad or using fresh bread can make croutons soggy. Use day-old bread and dress the salad just before serving.
No, frozen lettuce will not have the same crispy texture as fresh lettuce.
Yes, you can make the croutons in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dress the salad just before serving to prevent soggy croutons.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Cozy 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!
