Crunchy Dinner Salad w/ Sesame Soy Dressing
A quick, refreshing dinner salad that even the kids will love!
Salads might not be the most popular recipes on the internet, but in our house, they’re a total win. A great salad can save the day — it comes together fast, works perfectly for those nights when everyone’s eating in shifts, and it’s the ideal reset after a weekend of football snacks or heavy brunch plates.
This Family-Favorite Crunchy Green Salad is packed with fresh flavor and texture: crisp romaine, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crunchy nuts, and perfectly cooked green beans or snap peas. But the real star here is the homemade sesame soy dressing — tangy, nutty, slightly sweet, and hands-down the best dressing you’ll ever eat.
Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for quick weeknight dinners or easy lunches. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and proof that a good salad can absolutely steal the show.
Salad Ingredients:
4 heads chopped romaine (or your family’s favorite lettuce)
Lightly steamed green beans or snap peas (make these ahead and keep them in the fridge)
Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
Diced tomatoes
Sliced red onion
Mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, or cashews work great)
Avocado, sliced
The Best Dressing EVER Ingredients:
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup oil (olive or avocado oil work well)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
Juice from 1 lime
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon minced dried onion
Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — add a little extra lime juice for tang or brown sugar for sweetness.
Prep the salad: Arrange chopped lettuce in a large bowl or on a platter. Add green beans or snap peas, eggs, tomatoes, red onion, nuts, and avocado.
Dress it up: Drizzle the dressing over the top right before serving, or serve it on the side for everyone to add their own.
Toss and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately for quick lunches all week.
The dressing keeps for up to a week in the fridge — just give it a shake before using!