Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing
Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the delightful flavors of tender bowtie pasta, crisp spinach, and sweet mandarin oranges, all coated in a rich teriyaki dressing. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a casual lunch or hosting a festive gathering. Not only is it visually appealing with its colorful ingredients, but it also packs a nutritious punch with essential vitamins and minerals from the spinach and nuts. Quick to prepare and versatile enough to serve as a main or side dish, this salad will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta noodles
- 4 cups spinach leaves
- ½ cup craisins
- ⅓ cup pine nuts (or cashews)
- 1 4-ounce can mandarin oranges (drained)
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves (roughly chopped)
- ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce (the thicker, the better!)
- ⅓ cup rice apple vinegar (may sub apple cider vinegar)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (if you have it)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup oil (such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients: teriyaki sauce, rice apple vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and oil. Cover tightly and shake vigorously until well mixed. Chill until ready to use.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, spinach leaves, craisins, nuts, mandarin oranges, and chopped cilantro.
- Just before serving, pour dressing over salad mixture. Toss gently to combine all elements evenly. Serve immediately for best flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg