As a real-estate agent, Mary Smeed of Oakdale works erratic hours, so she really has to plan her meals. "I try to keep things on hand or take them out of the freezer in the morning, based on my schedule," she says.

This 10-minute tuna salad is for those nights when she doesn't get home until 8 p.m. "By that time, I'm hungry, so I need something fast and healthy," she says. "Plus this salad is good and looks great - you can even serve it to guests!"

What you need: Ahi tuna fillet (fresh or frozen), Old Bay seasoning, olive oil, sesame seeds (white or black), bag of salad greens, jar of Asian ginger dressing (found in the produce section)

How to make it: Season tuna with 1 teaspoon Old Bay. Rub some olive oil over tuna. Press tuna into plate of sesame seeds to coat on all sides. In hot skillet, sear tuna for 2 to 3 minutes. Slice thinly. Immediately place on salad greens tossed with Asian dressing.

How do you get dinner on the table fast? We're talking no more than 10 minutes prep time and no store-bought frozen dinners. Send your ideas to Dinner in 10 Minutes, Pioneer Press Food Section, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101. Or e-mail us at eat@pioneer press.com.

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