Mandarin Lunchbox Salad – Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfect for Meal Prep

 

When it comes to easy lunches that actually satisfy, this Mandarin Lunchbox Salad is a total win. It’s bursting with vibrant vegetables, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy nuts, and protein-packed quinoa. Tossed in a zesty ginger-sesame dressing, every bite hits the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a quick fix for those midday hunger pangs, this salad will be your new go-to.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Base Salad

• 1½ cups quinoa (uncooked)

• 1 bag (16 oz) coleslaw mix

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 4 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented

• 5 green onions, sliced

• ½ cup cashews, roughly chopped

• ¼ cup sliced almonds

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup rice vinegar

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1–2 tablespoons honey (to taste)

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 1½ tablespoons fresh grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa
   Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

2. Mix the Salad
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, coleslaw mix (discard any included dressing packet), diced red bell pepper, mandarin slices, green onions, cashews, and almonds.

3. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder until smooth and fully combined.

4. Toss & Chill
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Make it a Meal – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

• Crunch Factor – Toss in sunflower seeds or crispy wonton strips for added texture.

• Meal Prep Friendly – Keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches.

This Mandarin Lunchbox Salad is bright, healthy, and bursting with flavor—proof that meal prep doesn’t have to be boring.