Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, planning a picnic, or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this salad captures the essence of freshness and taste. The combination of tender pasta, vibrant spinach, juicy mandarins, and a savory teriyaki dressing creates a dish that is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Flavorful Dressing: The homemade teriyaki vinaigrette adds a unique sweet and savory flavor that elevates the dish.
• Nutrient-Packed: With fresh spinach and fruit, this salad is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out nuts or use different greens based on your preference.
• Great for Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Jar with lid (for dressing)
• Whisk or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to toss all ingredients together thoroughly without spilling.

Ingredients

For this flavorful salad, gather the following ingredients:

For the Salad Base

• 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 Teriyaki 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, or olive oil)

How to Make Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add bowtie pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a jar with a lid, combine teriyaki sauce, rice apple vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder if using, salt, black pepper, sugar, and oil.
2. Securely cover the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed.
3. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach leaves, craisins, nuts, mandarin oranges, and cilantro.
2. Just before serving, pour the chilled dressing over the salad.
3. Toss everything together gently until well coated and serve immediately.

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is not just easy to make; it’s also deliciously refreshing! Enjoy it as part of your next meal or as a light snack whenever you crave something tasty!

How to Serve Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, there are plenty of options to enhance your meal.

As a Main Dish

• This salad can stand alone as a filling lunch or dinner. Add grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein and flavor.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the pasta salad over a bed of mixed greens for added texture and nutrition. This makes for an elegant presentation.

With Additional Toppings

• Enhance the salad with extra toppings like sliced avocado, shredded carrots, or sesame seeds for additional crunch and flavor.

In Meal Prep Containers

• Portion the salad into meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

How to Perfect Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

To make your Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad even better, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe mandarin oranges will provide the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Chill the dressing: Letting the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Toast the nuts: Lightly toasting pine nuts or cashews enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar in your dressing based on your taste preference; you can use honey or agave syrup as alternatives.
• Experiment with proteins: Try adding grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option, making it more filling and nutritious.

Best Side Dishes for Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Pairing side dishes with your Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers
   Juicy and marinated chicken skewers add a delicious protein element that complements this salad nicely.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls
   These fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy teriyaki dressing.
3. Edamame Beans
   Lightly salted edamame makes for an easy-to-prepare side that’s packed with protein and fiber.
4. Rice Paper Dumplings
   Stuffed with vegetables and served with dipping sauce, these dumplings are an exciting addition to your table.
5. Quinoa Pilaf
   A warm quinoa pilaf infused with herbs offers nutty flavors that pair well with the tangy salad dressing.
6. Cucumber Salad
   A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds brightness and complements the main dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Not rinsing the pasta under cold water can lead to a gummy texture. Always cool your pasta to ensure it blends well with the salad.
• Overdressing the Salad: Using too much dressing can overwhelm the flavors. Start with a little and add more as needed for balanced flavor.
• Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Low-quality teriyaki sauce can dull the dish’s taste. Opt for a thick, flavorful teriyaki sauce for the best result.
• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Leaving out fresh cilantro reduces flavor complexity. Always include fresh herbs for added brightness and depth.
• Using Stale Nuts: Stale nuts can ruin the crunch factor of your salad. Always check your nuts for freshness before adding them to your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep dressing separate if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• Not recommended, as freezing can change texture and flavor.
• If necessary, freeze only the pasta without dressing; consume within 1 month.

Reheating Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I customize the Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing?

Yes! Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or turkey or swap out nuts based on preference.

What type of pasta works best in this salad?

Bowtie pasta is ideal for its shape, but you can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli.

How do I make my own teriyaki dressing?

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger. Adjust sweetness and thickness by varying sugar amounts.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

The Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavors that appeal to everyone. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give it a try; you’ll be amazed at how satisfying a simple salad can be!

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Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

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

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing. This refreshing dish perfectly combines tender bowtie pasta, fresh spinach, juicy mandarins, and a savory homemade teriyaki dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a delightful picnic option, or a light dinner, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup craisins
• ⅓ cup pine nuts or cashews
• 1 can (4 ounces) mandarin oranges
• ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
• ⅓ cup rice apple vinegar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (if using)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ cup cilantro leaves (roughly chopped)

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Instructions

1. 1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. 2. In a jar, combine teriyaki sauce, rice apple vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), salt, black pepper, sugar, and oil. Shake well and chill.
3. 3. In a mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, spinach, craisins, nuts, mandarin oranges, and cilantro.
4. 4. Just before serving, drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American/Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg