Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

The Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines wholesome ingredients for a delightful meal. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad stands out with its sweet and tangy teriyaki dressing. The combination of pasta, spinach, and juicy mandarin oranges makes it not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach and fruit, it’s a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Flavorful Dressing: The homemade teriyaki vinaigrette adds a unique twist that will impress your guests.
• Customizable: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Jar with a lid (for dressing)
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Colander: Helps in draining pasta thoroughly after cooking, preventing sogginess.
• Jar with a lid: Perfect for shaking up the dressing ingredients until well combined.

Ingredients

This salad is easy, quick, healthy, and tossed in the most addictive teriyaki vinaigrette dressing!

For the Salad

• 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)

For the Dressing

• 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, olive oil)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil water in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the bowtie pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a jar, combine teriyaki sauce, rice apple vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and oil.
2. Cover the jar tightly with its lid.
3. Shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, spinach leaves, craisins, nuts (pine nuts or cashews), mandarin oranges, and cilantro leaves.
2. Just before serving, pour the chilled teriyaki dressing over the salad.
3. Toss everything gently to ensure all components are evenly coated with dressing.

Enjoy your delicious Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing!

How to Serve Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

This vibrant salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a simple weeknight dinner. Here are some delicious ways to serve it that will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

• Adding grilled chicken slices on top of the salad makes it a hearty meal. The flavors of the chicken complement the teriyaki dressing beautifully.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• A side of warm garlic bread is an excellent way to enjoy the salad. The crispy texture pairs perfectly with the freshness of the spinach and mandarins.

Accompany with Sliced Avocado

• Fresh avocado adds creaminess to the salad. Simply slice and arrange it on top just before serving for added richness.

Add a Sprinkle of Sesame Seeds

• Toasted sesame seeds give an extra crunch and nutty flavor. Sprinkle them over the salad right before serving for a delightful finish.

Offer as a Side Dish at BBQs

• This salad can be served as a refreshing side dish at barbecues. Its unique flavors will stand out among traditional sides.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the salad in individual bowls adds a touch of elegance. It’s perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

How to Perfect Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

To make your Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Opt for fresh spinach and ripe mandarins for maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap pine nuts for your favorite nuts like almonds or cashews. This subtle change can enhance the overall taste profile.
• Adjust Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thicker dressing, add less oil or teriyaki sauce. Finding your ideal consistency will improve how the dressing coats the salad.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes enhances its flavors. The ingredients meld together beautifully when chilled.

Best Side Dishes for Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Pairing side dishes can elevate your meal experience even further. Here are some great options that complement this delicious salad wonderfully.

1. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection create a fantastic protein pairing with the salad’s flavors.
2. Edamame Pods: Lightly salted edamame pods provide a healthy snack that complements Japanese cuisine wonderfully.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a crisp contrast to the rich teriyaki dressing.
4. Miso Soup: This traditional Japanese soup warms up any meal and pairs well with salads, providing comforting flavors.
5. Rice Paper Rolls: Filled with shrimp or veggies, these rolls are light and easy to eat, making them an ideal accompaniment.
6. Spicy Tuna Tartare: For those who love seafood, spicy tuna tartare adds sophistication and pairs excellently with Asian-inspired dishes.
7. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies provide texture and balance against your fresh pasta salad.
8. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf can serve as a hearty option that rounds out your meal while still being light enough not to overpower the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish’s flavor and presentation.

• Using overcooked pasta: Make sure to follow the package instructions closely. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the salad’s texture.
• Skipping the dressing chilling step: Allowing the dressing to chill helps meld the flavors. Don’t skip this; it makes a big difference in taste.
• Not balancing flavors: While teriyaki sauce is delicious, it can be overpowering. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more vinegar or sugar as needed.
• Using stale nuts: Fresh nuts add crunch and flavor. Always check that your pine nuts or cashews are fresh for the best results.
• Neglecting to rinse pasta: Rinsing pasta after cooking cools it down and prevents sticking. Don’t forget this step for a better salad experience.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Add dressing just before serving for optimal freshness.

Freezing Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to its fresh ingredients.
• If you must, freeze without dressing and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm salad in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing.

Can I customize this salad?

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken or tofu for protein or swap out spinach for kale if you prefer.

How do I make a lighter dressing?

To lighten up the dressing, reduce the amount of oil or use Greek yogurt as a base instead of oil.

What other ingredients pair well with this salad?

You can add sliced bell peppers, avocado, or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.

How long does the salad last?

When stored properly, your Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-5 days.

Final Thoughts

The Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is not only easy to make but also versatile and packed with flavors. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch. Enjoy this delightful salad any day of the week!

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Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Bursting with flavors from sweet mandarin oranges and crunchy pine nuts, this salad combines wholesome ingredients like fresh spinach and al dente bowtie pasta, all tossed in a delicious homemade teriyaki vinaigrette. Whether you’re preparing it for a picnic, a potluck, or simply a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress. It’s not only easy to make in just 15 minutes but also highly customizable, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your preferences. Enjoy the delightful balance of textures and tastes with every bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 chopped cilantro
• ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
• ⅓ cup rice apple 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)

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Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling water. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a jar, combine teriyaki sauce, rice apple vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and oil. Shake well until combined.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, spinach leaves, craisins, nuts, mandarin oranges, and chopped cilantro.
4. Just before serving, pour the chilled dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg