Fresh, vibrant, and packed with colorful ingredients, this Mandarin Lunchbox Salad is a delicious choice for lunch or a light evening meal. Crisp greens are paired with sweet mandarin oranges, fresh vegetables, and crunchy toasted almonds, then finished with a homemade balsamic-Dijon dressing that brings everything together. Quick to prepare and perfect for make-ahead meals, this refreshing salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Mandarin Lunchbox Salad
Ingredients
Ingredient Quantity
Mixed salad greens (baby spinach, romaine, or arugula) 4 cups
Mandarin oranges, peeled and separated 1 cup
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1
Cucumber, sliced 1
Red onion, thinly sliced 1/4
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
Toasted sliced almonds 1/4 cup
Dressing
Ingredient Quantity
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon
Honey 1 teaspoon
Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
Kosher salt To taste
Freshly ground black pepper To taste
Instructions
Step 1: Build the Salad
Place the mixed greens, mandarin segments, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes into a large serving bowl. Toss lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth and fully blended.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until the vegetables and greens are evenly coated.
Step 4: Finish with Almonds
Scatter the toasted almonds over the salad just before serving to add a crisp, nutty crunch.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Serve immediately, or divide into meal prep containers and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors come together before enjoying.
