Asian Quinoa Salad is both light and satisfying! You get a delicious kick of sweetness from the oranges and cranberries, while the sesame seeds and cashews add a perfect texture. Finish it off with a punchy Asian Salad Dressing, for a delicious meal that you will crave again and again.

I you are like me, you are always on the look out for lunches that will excite you and leaving you feeling your best.
This quinoa salad with mandarin oranges does just that.
The protein from the quinoa will leave you satisfied, and the bold flavors from the dressing will keep your taste buds happy.
This easy vegan salad is perfect for meal prep and makes a great grab and go lunch!
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Ingredients for Making Mandarin Quinoa Salad
- Quinoa: I like to use white quinoa in this recipe, but you can use your favorite kind. To make this salad super-easy, cook your quinoa on the weekend while you are doing meal prep. You can also buy pre-cooked quinoa.
- Kale or spinach: I used kale in my salad, but you could also use spinach. If using kale, make sure to remove the tough stems and chop it into bite-size pieces.
- Mandarin oranges: I used canned mandarin oranges because they are super-easy, but you could also use fresh oranges. If using fresh, you will need 3-4 depending on their size.
- Dried cranberries: These add a beautiful sweetness to the salad that perfectly complements the dressing.
- Green onion: I love the flavor that green onions add to this salad, but you could also use diced red onion.
- Fresh parsley: I used fresh parsley because it was what I had on hand, but you could also use cilantro or mint.
- Asian Salad Dressing: You can use your favorite brand of Asian salad dressing, or make your own. I use my homemade Asian Dressing.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: These are a must in my opinion. They add the perfect amount of crunch and flavor.
- Cashews: I love the flavor that cashews add to this salad, but you could also use peanuts or almonds.
Tips & Tricks
- If you are cooking your quinoa just before making this salad, spread it out on a cookie sheet to let it cool. This will keep the quinoa fluffy and help it cool quicker.
- If you are using canned mandarin oranges, make sure to drain them well. Otherwise, your salad will be too wet.
- I like to use kale in this salad because I think it holds up better than spinach, but feel free to use your favorite green.The amounts of each ingredient are suggestions. Feel free to add more or less of anything to suit your taste.
Storage
Store this vegan quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you are planning on making this ahead, you can store the sesame seeds and cashews separately if you like.
If you want to meal prep this salad but put it together at the last minute, I recommend cooking the quinoa ahead of time and storing it in the fridge.
Then, when you are ready to eat, chop the greens and mix everything together. This salad is also a great option for taking to work or school because it doesn't require reheating.
Variations
- Use cilantro instead of parsley
- Add avocado just before serving
- Add julienned carrots, napa cabbage and/or bean sprouts
- Substitute peanuts or almonds for the cashews
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15-Minute Asian Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups kale or Spinach, chopped
- ½ cup Mandarin oranges drained
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup Asian Salad Dressing more or less to taste
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons cashews
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine quinoa, kale, oranges, cranberries, green onions and parsley.
- Toss with dressing and top with sesame seeds and cashews.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled. Drizzle with additional dressing if desired.
Alli Smith
I can definitely see myself craving this colorful salad. After all the heavy holiday foods, I'm ready for fresh salads like this. Looks delicious.
Jenny Finney
This looks so good! I've never used kale in a salad....I guess I thought it would taste bitter, but I am a huge fan of cranberries and fruit, along with nuts, in my salad. This type of salad is my favorite!
candy
We have been eating so many heavy meals lately that fixing this asian salad would be a wonderful change of pace. Looks light and delicious.
Dina Demarest
This asian quinoa salad looks amazing. I will have to make it this weekend for the family.
Pam
This salad looks so refreshing. I need to eat a salad after this holiday indulging I have been doing.
Amber Myers
This is the kind of salad I really enjoy! I'll be making this soon for lunch. I do love my oranges.
Sara Welch
I would really love to try this! I have always enjoyed Asian salads.
Ricci
I am quinoa obsessed and I need to try this salad ASAP! It sounds so good and looks so pretty!!
Sandy N Vyjay
The salad looks so healthy as well as yummy. TheQuinoa of course is such a healthy ingredient. Would love to make this salad.
Heather
This looks so good! I just pinned it! I love all the texture too, and I love tangerine slices in it.
Tami
I have yet to try quinoa. This salad looks like the perfect way to give it a taste.
Angie
YUM, this looks really tasty. I'm a fan of asian flavors in general, but quinoa would make it even better.
Farrah Less G.
This salad is so colorful and looks tasty my kinda of everyday meal. Trying to be a healthy eater nowadays.
anosa
I love quinoa! I recently Made a salad, it wasn't as yummy looking and filling as yours. I may have to try yours and switch the oranges for apples or something.
Marysa
This looks yummy, and hearty too for a salad. I have just recently begun to use quinoa in dishes, so it is nice to have some more ideas. I like how the kale holds up in this salad too.
David Elliott
This salad does look so nice and refreshing. I do love Asian salads and those Mandarin wedges do look amazing. I will have to be trying this out soon.