Go Back

Mandarin Lunchbox Salad Recipe

This Mandarin Lunchbox Salad is a nutritious, portable meal featuring fresh mandarin oranges, mixed greens, and complementary ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, this recipe delivers balanced nutrition with excellent flavor and texture that holds up well during transport. The combination of sweet mandarin segments with savory elements creates a satisfying lunch option that energizes your day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight storage containers
  • Small containers for dressing
  • Salad spinner (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 4 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, romaine
  • 2 large mandarin oranges peeled and segmented
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa cooled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds toasted
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 medium cucumber diced
  • 2 medium carrots julienned
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • For the Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mandarin juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, ensuring they are thoroughly washed and dried.
  • Add mandarin segments: Carefully fold in the mandarin orange segments, being gentle to maintain their shape and prevent breaking.
  • Incorporate grains: Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl, distributing it evenly throughout the greens.
  • Add texture elements: Sprinkle in the dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
  • Include fresh vegetables: Add the diced cucumber, julienned carrots, and thinly sliced red onion.
  • Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, mandarin juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Final assembly: Either dress the salad immediately before serving or pack dressing separately for lunchbox preparation.

Notes

Choose mandarin oranges that are firm and heavy for their size to ensure optimal juice and flavor
Toast almonds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor
If preparing for meal prep, keep wet ingredients separate until serving time
Substitute mandarin oranges with clementines or tangerines when mandarin oranges are not available