Ina Garten Caesar Salad Recipe

Ina Garten’s Caesar Salad is crisp, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful — everything you want in a classic Caesar. With crunchy romaine, homemade croutons, Parmesan, and a rich dressing made from scratch, this salad strikes the perfect balance of freshness and indulgence. It’s simple, elegant, and ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or entertaining guests.

What is Ina Garten’s Caesar Salad?

Ina Garten’s Caesar Salad is a classic combination of fresh romaine lettuce tossed with a creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and homemade garlic croutons. The dressing is rich and silky, made with olive oil, lemon juice, anchovies, Dijon, garlic, and Parmesan — giving it that signature bold Caesar flavor.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
• Ina Garten Chicken Skewers
• Ina Garten’s Best Chicken Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Caesar Salad

• Fresh and crisp – Romaine brings unbeatable crunch and freshness.
• Rich homemade dressing – Creamy, tangy, and full of classic flavor.
• Simple ingredients – Easy pantry and fridge staples come together beautifully.
• Versatile dish – Works as a side, appetizer, or main with added protein.
• Restaurant-style taste – Feels gourmet without requiring complicated steps.
• Customizable – Add chicken, shrimp, avocado, or more greens.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Caesar Salad

For the Salad

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Optional: grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or salmon

For the Homemade Croutons

• 4 cups bread cubes (French bread or sourdough)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Caesar Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Caesar Salad

Step 1 – Make the croutons

Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 2 – Prepare the dressing

Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan, Dijon, garlic, anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3 – Prep the romaine

Wash, dry thoroughly, and chop the romaine into large bite-sized pieces.

Step 4 – Assemble the salad

Place romaine in a large bowl. Add croutons and Parmesan.

Step 5 – Toss with dressing

Add dressing gradually and toss until the salad is evenly coated. Serve immediately.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Caesar Salad

• Grilled chicken – Makes it a complete and filling meal.
• Garlic bread – Adds extra crunch and flavor.
• Tomato soup – A warm pairing that balances the cool salad.
• Pasta dishes – Works well alongside creamy or baked pasta.
• Grilled salmon – Light, healthy, and delicious with Caesar flavors.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Caesar Salad

• Dry the lettuce completely – Keeps the salad crisp and prevents sogginess.
• Add dressing gradually – Prevents overdressing and helps keep texture balanced.
• Use fresh Parmesan – Improves flavor and creaminess.
• Bake croutons low and slow – Helps them stay crisp without burning.
• Chill the lettuce – Cold romaine adds extra crunch.
• Whisk dressing well – Ensures a smooth and rich consistency.
• Add protein last – Helps prevent the salad from becoming heavy.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Caesar Salad

• Chicken Caesar – Add grilled or roasted chicken.
• Shrimp Caesar – Toss in grilled or sautéed shrimp.
• Avocado Caesar – Add sliced avocado for creaminess.
• Kale Caesar – Replace half the romaine with chopped kale.
• Spicy Caesar – Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Light version – Use Greek yogurt mixed with mayo for the dressing.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Caesar Salad

• Store lettuce and dressing separately – Prevents sogginess.
• Croutons – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Prepared dressing – Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Assembled salad – Best eaten immediately and not recommended for storage.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Caesar Salad

(Croutons only — salad and dressing are not reheated.)

• Oven – Reheat croutons at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
• Air fryer – 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving – Makes croutons soft and chewy.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg

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FAQs

How do I keep romaine lettuce crisp for Ina Garten’s Caesar Salad?

Dry the romaine thoroughly after washing and chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad. Excess water makes the leaves soggy, so using a salad spinner helps keep the lettuce crisp and crunchy.

Can I make Caesar dressing ahead of time for this recipe?

Yes. You can prepare the dressing up to 4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Stir or whisk it before using to restore its creamy texture.

How do I make homemade croutons stay crunchy in Caesar salad?

Bake the croutons until golden and fully dried, then let them cool completely before adding to the salad. Keep them separate until serving so they remain crisp and do not absorb moisture from the dressing.

Can I make Ina Garten Caesar Salad without anchovies?

Yes, you can skip anchovies or replace them with 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory depth. However, anchovies provide the classic Caesar flavor, so using even a small amount enhances the richness of the dressing.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Caesar Salad is crisp, creamy, and reliably delicious — the perfect blend of fresh romaine, crunchy croutons, and a rich, homemade dressing. It’s quick to make, elegant enough for dinner guests, and versatile for any meal. Once you try it with freshly made dressing, you’ll never go back to bottled Caesar again.