Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing
Discover the delightful Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing, a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines the crunch of nuts, the sweetness of mandarin oranges, and the freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a rich homemade teriyaki vinaigrette. Ideal for busy weeknights, it can be prepared in just 15 minutes and is packed with nutrients from fresh ingredients. Enjoy it as a light lunch or elevate it by adding grilled chicken or turkey for a satisfying main course. Perfect for potlucks or meal prep, this salad is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and delicious flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup craisins
- ⅓ cup pine nuts (or cashews)
- 1 can (4 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup oil (such as vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a jar, combine teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and oil. Shake well and refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, toss together cooked pasta, spinach, craisins, nuts, mandarin oranges, and cilantro.
- Just before serving, pour chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg