Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing
Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together a delightful mix of textures and flavors. This salad features tender bowtie pasta, fresh spinach, juicy mandarin oranges, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a homemade teriyaki dressing that perfectly balances sweetness and savory notes. Ideal for casual gatherings or elegant dinners, this quick and easy recipe can be customized with your choice of proteins like chicken or turkey. With its colorful presentation and nutritious ingredients, this salad is sure to impress at any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- 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 can mandarin oranges (drained)
- ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
- ⅓ cup rice apple 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 (vegetable, canola, or olive)
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- In a jar, combine teriyaki sauce, rice apple vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and oil. Shake vigorously until well mixed; chill.
- In a large bowl, toss together cooked pasta, spinach leaves, craisins, nuts, mandarin oranges, and chopped cilantro.
- Just before serving, pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss until combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg