At every family event, my mother-in-law is always asked to bring the same beloved dish.

As passionate home cooks, we're always trying out new recipes—whether it's a seasonal dish to use up extra produce or a creative twist to make weeknight dinners easier. Fortunately, our website offers endless inspiration to guide us. But even with all the new ideas, we always return to our old favorites. From comforting casseroles to quick cakes and hearty soups, these dishes are a part of our family's dining traditions.

One dish that has become a staple at every family gathering is one my mother-in-law discovered years ago. It's a surprise favorite that's requested for every birthday and holiday. What makes it stand out? It's a salad. And the best part is, it's from Dinogo.

The Broccoli Ramen Noodle Salad my mother-in-law makes over and over.

While she also whips up a delicious Shrimp Fra Diavolo and always has a pan of brownies on hand (made with Ghirardelli mix, of course), this Crunchy Romaine Toss is the side dish that's become a family favorite and one she's perfected over time.

We affectionately call it Mimi's Broccoli Ramen Noodle Salad, though the recipe remains the same. It blends chopped romaine, fresh broccoli, and green onions with a tangy-sweet vinaigrette, topped off with crunchy toasted walnuts and ramen noodles that take it to the next level. Every bite offers a perfect mix of textures and flavors—earthy nuts, crisp veggies, and a mouthwatering umami dressing. This is the best way to enjoy broccoli.

We're not the only fans of this dish. The five-star reviews on the recipe page echo the same sentiment: "Always a crowd favorite!" and "A fantastic recipe—unique, easy, and absolutely delicious." Dinogo user Nancy D. shares, "I've made this countless times, and every time, everyone asks for the recipe. It's simple, flavorful, and perfect every time."

How to make Broccoli Ramen Salad (also known as our Crunchy Romaine Toss).

This salad may require a bit more effort than usual (mainly because you’ll need to use your stove), but it’s only for a brief moment—and totally worth it. The crispy elements are what really make this dish shine.

Begin by melting 1/4 cup of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add in 1 cup of chopped walnuts and a 3-ounce package of crushed ramen noodles. Cook and stir until everything is golden and toasted, about 5 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. After that, the stove stays off. From there, it’s simply a matter of chopping up a head of broccoli, a couple of romaine hearts, and a few green onions—and preparing the dressing.

The dressing, along with the crispy bits, is what makes this salad unforgettable. The recipe calls for whisking together 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, plus salt and pepper. My mother-in-law tweaks this a bit by using white vinegar and doubling the soy sauce for an added punch.

The dressing is tossed with the lettuce, broccoli, green onions, walnuts, and noodles just before serving, with a sprinkling of extra crunchy bits and sliced green onions on top for garnish.

Site reviews offer helpful tips, such as breaking the ramen and broccoli into smaller pieces to make it easier to eat, and ensuring the walnut and ramen mixture doesn’t burn by avoiding overcooking.

Make this family favorite your own by swapping out the nuts or adding more vegetables and fruits like bell peppers, red onions, mandarin oranges, or dried cranberries. For a heartier version, add grilled chicken or salmon to turn it into a full entrée salad.

No matter how you prepare it, serve it in a large, beautiful bowl 'Mimi-style,' and be sure to bring extra recipe cards for anyone who asks. We promise it will quickly become a new family favorite.