We are always on the hunt for fresh and easy lunches that we can prep and pack up for the week ahead, and this Mandarin Lunchbox Salad is one of our new favs. It hits all the right notes with flavorful ginger sesame dressing while packing in filling nutrients to keep you full until dinner. Prep is a breeze so you’ll want to make this one all the time. So whether you need a new packed lunch or just want a delicious dish on hand for those hangry moments, this salad delivers!

The base of this dish is some fluffy quinoa, packed with protein and perfect for soaking up flavor. From there, we add in a bag of coleslaw mix (but feel free to chop a head of cabbage if you prefer!), juicy mandarin orange pieces, crisp red bell pepper, and a handful of fresh green onions. And don’t forget the nuts! Cashews and sliced almonds bring just the right crunch and additional protein. Packed with all those goodies, this salad is anything but boring!

Then to tie it all together, the homemade dressing. Pantry staples pair with sesame oil and fresh grater ginger for a sweet and zippy result. Dried ground ginger can be used in a pinch, but we highly recommend you use fresh if you can. Whisk it up and pour it right over the salad to let all that flavor soak in.

We can assure you that this is a lunch you’ll actually look forward to. It holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping ahead. Whether you’re packing it up for work or enjoying it at a backyard BBQ, this salad is a hit every time.