When it comes to a salad that’s as colorful as it is flavorful, Mandarin Lunchbox Salad is a winner every time. This vibrant, wholesome dish combines nutty quinoa, crisp coleslaw mix, sweet bell peppers, juicy mandarin orange segments, and a satisfying crunch from cashews and almonds. Tossed in a tangy-sweet Asian-inspired dressing with ginger, sesame oil, and honey, it’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy workdays, school lunches, or light dinners.
I love how easy this salad is to prepare—cook the quinoa, chop a few veggies, whisk the dressing, and you’re done. It’s hearty enough to keep you satisfied but light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down. Plus, it travels beautifully, making it a star in meal-prep containers. Whether you’re heading to the office, packing a picnic, or planning a potluck, Mandarin Lunchbox Salad delivers a refreshing crunch and a pop of citrus brightness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Mandarin Lunchbox Salad
- Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh and flavorful for days.
- Balanced & nourishing – Protein from quinoa, healthy fats from nuts, vitamins from fresh veggies and fruit.
- Burst of flavors – Sweet, savory, nutty, and tangy all in one bowl.
- Quick to make – About 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable – Swap in your favorite nuts or seasonal veggies.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa, uncooked
- 1 (16 oz) bag coleslaw mix (reserve dressing packet if included)
- 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
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons honey, to taste
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Quinoa:
Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, set aside to cool to room temperature.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add cooled quinoa, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, mandarin orange segments, sliced green onions, chopped cashews, and sliced almonds.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder for 30–60 seconds until fully combined.
4. Toss the Salad:
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegan – Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add more protein – Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or edamame.
- Extra crunch – Add toasted sesame seeds or crispy wonton strips.
- Swap the fruit – Use fresh pineapple or mango instead of mandarins for a tropical twist.
- Meal-prep tip – Store dressing separately if making in advance to keep veggies crisp.
FAQ
Can I use canned mandarin oranges? Yes—just drain well and pat dry before adding.
How long will it keep? About 3–4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I use another grain? Absolutely—cooked farro, couscous, or brown rice work well.
Can I make the dressing ahead? Yes, it keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Mandarin Lunchbox Salad is everything you want in a make-ahead dish—vibrant, flavorful, healthy, and incredibly easy. It’s a no-fuss recipe that works for weekday lunches, family dinners, or picnic spreads, and the mix of textures and flavors keeps every bite interesting. Make a big batch, portion it out, and enjoy a refreshing, satisfying meal all week long.
Mandarin Lunchbox Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa uncooked
- 1 16 oz bag coleslaw mix (reserve dressing packet if included)
- 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
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 –2 tablespoons honey to taste
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa:
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, set aside to cool to room temperature.
Combine Salad Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add cooled quinoa, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, mandarin orange segments, sliced green onions, chopped cashews, and sliced almonds.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder for 30–60 seconds until fully combined.
Toss the Salad:
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
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