Mandarin Lunchbox Salad

Fresh, colorful, and perfect for meal prep, this Mandarin Lunchbox Salad combines fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy nuts. Tossed in a tangy ginger sesame dressing, it's a satisfying and nutritious lunch you’ll look forward to all week.

Print Pin

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keyword: ginger sesame salad, mandarin salad, meal prep salad, quinoa salad

Prep Time: 20

Total Time: 20

Servings: servings

Calories: 320kcal

Author: [email protected]

Cost: 12

Equipment

medium saucepan
Large mixing bowl
small bowl or jar
whisk
cutting board
knife

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups quinoa, uncooked
16 oz coleslaw mix
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 mandarin oranges, peeled and separated
5 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup cashews, roughly chopped
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1-2 tbsp honey, to taste
2 tsp sesame oil
1 1/2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Cook quinoa according to package directions and set aside to cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, coleslaw mix, diced bell pepper, mandarin segments, sliced green onions, cashews, and almonds.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and garlic powder for 30–60 seconds until well combined.
Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh grated ginger in the dressing, though dried ground ginger can be used in a pinch. This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for work lunches or picnics. Recipe adapted from Familyfoodonthetable.com.

Nutrition