Keto Feast Salad: The "Million-Dollar" 1905 Inspired Classic

This recipe is a tribute to one of Florida’s most iconic culinary staples. By adapting the legendary Columbia Restaurant 1905 Salad into a keto-friendly powerhouse, you’ve created a meal that is light enough for an Ormond Beach summer day but hearty enough to serve as a standalone dinner. At just 3g net carbs, it delivers a complex profile of salty, tangy, and savory notes that prove keto eating is never about sacrifice.

The secret to this salad isn't just the ingredients; it’s the emulsified dressing and the toss, which allows the oregano and garlic to bloom against the crispness of the iceberg lettuce.

The Science of the "Feast" Salad: Acid and Emulsion

The biggest pitfall in big salads is "soggy leaf syndrome," where the dressing pools at the bottom and wilts the greens.

The Pro Technique: We utilize "Aggressive Emulsification." By whisking the white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire with the garlic and oregano before slowly adding the olive oil, you create a stable dressing that "clings" to the lettuce rather than sliding off. Iceberg lettuce is used here specifically for its structural integrity—its high water content and "crunch" provide the perfect neutral base for the bold, salty flavors of the Spanish olives and Swiss cheese.

Ingredients: The "Heritage" Flavor Profile

The "Crunch & Salt" Base

• 1 Head Iceberg Lettuce: Chopped into bite-sized pieces (the ultimate "crunch" vehicle).

• The Julienne Duo: 1/2 cup Sugar-Free Ham and 1/2 cup Swiss Cheese.

• The "Zest" Factor: 1/4 cup Spanish Queen Olives (pimento-stuffed) and fresh tomato wedges.

• The "Snow": 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan for that final salty finish.

The "Signature" Vinaigrette

• The Fat & Acid: 1/2 cup Olive Oil and 1/4 cup White Wine Vinegar.

• The Aromatics: 2 Cloves minced Garlic, 1 tsp Dried Oregano, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.

• The Brightness: 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Feast

1. The Dressing "Bloom"

In a bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients except the oil. Pro-Tip: Let the garlic and oregano sit in the vinegar for 5 minutes before adding the oil. This "blooms" the dried herbs and mellows the raw garlic bite, ensuring a professional, well-rounded flavor.

2. The Slow Emulsion

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly. Dave's Pro Move: Use your Ninja Chop to pulse the dressing for 10 seconds. This creates a creamy, thick vinaigrette that won't separate on the plate.

3. The "Dry-Green" Prep

Wash and chop your iceberg lettuce. Crucial Rule: Make sure the lettuce is bone-dry before assembling. Use a salad spinner or pat it down with paper towels. Water on the leaves will dilute your "Million-Dollar" dressing.

4. The Layered Assembly

In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, ham, Swiss, and olives. Pro-Tip: Julienne your ham and cheese into matches-sized strips. This ensures you get a bit of everything in every forkful.

5. The "Columbia" Toss

Add the Parmesan and drizzle the dressing. Toss vigorously. Pro-Tip: In the tradition of the great Florida steakhouses, this salad is best when tossed right before serving to ensure the Parmesan creates a light "crust" on the dressed leaves.

Essential Kitchen Gear for the Best Results

To get that professional look for your blog post, these are the tools I rely on:

• For the Dressing: To ensure the garlic is perfectly incorporated and the dressing is thick, the Ninja Chop is the perfect tool for emulsifying small batches of vinaigrette.

• The Prep Surface: I do all my ham and cheese julienning on my OXO Cutting Board to keep the "Cooking with Dave" kitchen organized and safe.

• The Serving: Use a large wooden or chilled stainless steel bowl. Keeping the bowl cold helps maintain the iceberg lettuce's signature "snap."

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this for meal prep? Yes, but keep the dressing separate. Store the chopped lettuce and toppings in one container and the dressing in a small jar. Toss only when you're ready to eat to prevent wilting.

Is Worcestershire sauce really keto? Most brands contain a small amount of sugar, but at 1 teaspoon spread over 4 servings, the carb count is negligible. Look for "Sugar-Free" versions or use coconut aminos if you want to be extra strict.

Why is my salad watery? This usually comes from the tomatoes or wet lettuce. Pro-Tip: Deseed your tomatoes before slicing to remove the watery "gel" and ensure your salad stays crisp.

Can I add protein? Absolutely! This salad is incredible with grilled shrimp or blackened chicken breast added on top.