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Mandarin Lunchbox Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 15 reviews

Mandarin Lunchbox Salad is a vibrant and refreshing quinoa-based salad packed with crisp coleslaw mix, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy nuts, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a light and nutritious lunch, this salad combines wholesome ingredients and bright flavors in a simple recipe that serves six.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa, uncooked
  • 1 (16 oz) bag 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

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 ½ tablespoons fresh grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cook Quinoa: Prepare quinoa by cooking according to the package directions, then allow it to cool to room temperature before mixing with other ingredients.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with coleslaw mix, reserved bell pepper, mandarin orange slices, sliced green onions, chopped cashews, and sliced almonds for a mix of fresh flavors and textures.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, and garlic powder for 30 to 60 seconds until fully combined and emulsified.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to ensure even coating and flavor distribution throughout the salad.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and providing a refreshing chilled dish ideal for lunch.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
  • You can substitute mandarin oranges with canned ones but drain them well to avoid sogginess.
  • Adjust honey in the dressing to your preferred sweetness level.
  • For added protein, grilled chicken or tofu can be added.
  • Make ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/mandarin-lunchbox-salad-recipe/