Sometimes the simplest dishes leave the biggest impression, and Ina Garten’s Romaine Salad is a perfect example. With crisp romaine lettuce, a tangy vinaigrette, and a few fresh toppings, this salad delivers bold flavor and refreshing texture. It’s the ideal companion to any main dish—especially grilled meats, pasta, or seafood—and works well for everyday dinners or casual gatherings.

What is Ina Garten’s Romaine Salad?

Ina Garten’s romaine salad is a light, crunchy side dish made with chopped romaine lettuce tossed in a homemade vinaigrette. The vinaigrette often includes ingredients like fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil—creating a sharp, balanced flavor that lifts the greens. Ina sometimes adds shaved parmesan, croutons, or anchovies to elevate the taste, but it remains a clean, unfussy salad with bold freshness at its core.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Romaine Salad

Quick and easy to prepare – Comes together in under 15 minutes.
Pairs well with everything – Works with pasta, steak, chicken, or seafood.
Crisp and refreshing – Perfect palate cleanser for rich meals.
Made from pantry staples – Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
Versatile and customizable – Add your own toppings or proteins.
Great for entertaining or daily meals – Elegant yet effortless.
Naturally healthy – Packed with greens and a light vinaigrette.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Romaine Salad

2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped or torn
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups homemade or good-quality croutons (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Romaine Salad

Wash and dry the lettuce

Rinse the romaine leaves thoroughly under cold water, then dry using a salad spinner or kitchen towel. Chop or tear into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Prepare the vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.

Toss the salad

Place the romaine in a large bowl. Add croutons (if using) and parmesan cheese. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the leaves evenly.

Finish and serve

Top with extra parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Romaine Salad

Serve with grilled chicken or salmon – Turns it into a light main dish.
Pair with pasta or lasagna – Balances the richness of Italian meals.
Add to a steak dinner – Crisp romaine contrasts perfectly with juicy meats.
Enjoy with soup – A bowl of tomato soup or minestrone makes a comforting combo.
Use as a side for sandwiches or wraps – Adds freshness to heavier meals.
Pair with roasted vegetables – Complements sweet, caramelized flavors.
Include on a holiday table – Works well as a green side with roasts.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Romaine Salad

Dry the lettuce thoroughly – Wet greens dilute the dressing and reduce crunch.
Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled juice won’t offer the same brightness.
Grate parmesan fresh – For better texture and richer flavor.
Whisk vinaigrette until creamy – Ensures even coating on the leaves.
Add dressing just before serving – Prevents the lettuce from wilting.
Tear lettuce instead of chopping – Reduces bruising and keeps leaves looking fresh.
Use high-quality olive oil – It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Romaine Salad

Add avocado slices – For a creamy texture and healthy fats.
Top with grilled shrimp or chicken – Turns it into a light entrée.
Mix in cherry tomatoes or cucumbers – Adds juiciness and color.
Use Caesar-style dressing – Swap vinaigrette for anchovy-garlic Caesar sauce.
Sprinkle with toasted nuts – Pine nuts or almonds bring crunch and flavor.
Include hard-boiled eggs – For extra protein and richness.
Top with crumbled bacon – Adds a smoky, savory touch.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Romaine Salad

Store undressed salad in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 2 days.
Keep vinaigrette separate until serving – Prevents wilting.
Refrigerate the dressing in a sealed jar – Stays good for up to 1 week.
Add fresh toppings just before serving – Maintains texture and flavor.
Avoid storing dressed salad – The romaine will become soggy quickly.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Romaine Salad

Romaine salad is not meant to be reheated. For best results:

Serve fresh and chilled – The salad tastes best when cool and crisp.
If leftover and dressed, eat within a few hours – The lettuce will wilt quickly.
Keep croutons separate if storing – Prevents them from becoming soggy.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 280mg
Cholesterol: 5mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s romaine salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Wash and dry the romaine, grate the parmesan, and prepare the vinaigrette ahead. Store each component separately and combine just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.

What kind of romaine lettuce should I use?

Use fresh, firm romaine hearts for the best crunch. They have a mild flavor and hold up well to the dressing. Avoid wilted or overly leafy romaine for this salad.

How do I keep romaine salad from getting soggy?

Dry the romaine thoroughly after washing and dress the salad just before serving. Storing the lettuce and dressing separately prevents sogginess and preserves the crisp texture.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead?

While homemade dressing gives the freshest flavor, a good-quality bottled vinaigrette can be used as a shortcut. Choose one with simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and mustard for a similar taste.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Romaine Salad proves that a good salad doesn’t need to be complicated. With crisp lettuce, a zesty vinaigrette, and a few simple toppings, this dish is full of flavor and easy elegance. Perfect as a side or light main, it’s a fresh staple that fits into any meal, any season.