Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a delightful dish that perfectly blends flavors and textures. With its vibrant colors and refreshing ingredients, this salad is suitable for various occasions, from casual lunches to festive gatherings. The teriyaki dressing adds a unique twist that makes it truly stand out, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach, nuts, and mandarin oranges, this dish offers essential nutrients while still being delicious.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete meal; it’s adaptable to suit any occasion.
• Flavorful Dressing: The homemade teriyaki dressing elevates the salad, creating an irresistible taste that will impress your guests.
• Great for Meal Prep: This salad stays fresh in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead lunches or easy dinners.

Tools and Preparation

For this Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking pasta evenly and efficiently.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta effectively while rinsing it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Jar with lid: Perfect for shaking up the dressing ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

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

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, 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. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool down. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients.
2. Cover tightly and shake well to mix everything together.
3. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

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

How to Serve Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Serving the Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing can elevate your dining experience. This vibrant dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive dinners. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Refreshing Lunch Option

• Pair with a light soup for a balanced meal. Consider a miso soup or a simple vegetable broth.

Picnic Delight

• Pack the salad in individual containers for an easy and portable meal. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Family Dinner Complement

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost. The teriyaki dressing complements these proteins beautifully.

Potluck Favorite

• Bring this salad to gatherings where everyone can enjoy its unique flavors. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Weeknight Treat

• Enjoy this salad as a quick dinner option after a long day. It’s ready in just 15 minutes!

How to Perfect Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

To make the most of your Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh spinach: Fresh leaves give the salad a vibrant color and crunch, enhancing both flavor and texture.
• Chill the dressing: A chilled dressing amplifies the refreshing taste of the salad ingredients when mixed together.
• Toast nuts lightly: Lightly toasting pine nuts or cashews adds depth and richness to every bite.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add more sugar or honey to enhance the flavor profile.
• Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp can transform this salad into a hearty meal while maintaining its deliciousness.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding sliced avocados, sesame seeds, or even crumbled feta cheese for additional flavors.

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 great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with soy sauce complement the teriyaki flavor of the salad.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls: These fresh rolls filled with veggies provide a crunchy contrast and are easy to dip in extra teriyaki sauce.
3. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame adds protein and is an excellent finger food that pairs well with Asian flavors.
4. Fried Rice: A light vegetable fried rice can serve as a satisfying side that brings additional textures and flavors to your meal.
5. Miso Soup: This traditional Japanese soup offers warmth and complements the refreshing qualities of the salad nicely.
6. Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar gives a crisp contrast that balances out richer dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the pasta rinse: Not rinsing the pasta after cooking can lead to a sticky texture. Always rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for your salad.
• Using low-quality teriyaki sauce: A cheap teriyaki sauce can ruin the flavor of your salad. Opt for a thicker, higher-quality sauce for the best taste.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed to maintain crunchiness.
• Neglecting freshness in ingredients: Using wilted spinach or old nuts can compromise flavor and texture. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before using them.
• Not chilling the dressing: Serving warm dressing can wilt your greens. Chill your dressing in advance for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
• If necessary, you can freeze only the pasta for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through, but avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can easily customize this salad by adding grilled chicken or swapping out spinach for kale. The teriyaki dressing pairs well with many other ingredients!

How long does this salad stay fresh?

The Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container.

Is there a substitute for teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can use soy sauce mixed with honey or maple syrup as a substitute for teriyaki sauce if you want a different flavor profile.

What other nuts can I use in this recipe?

You can substitute pine nuts or cashews with almonds or walnuts based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

The Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is not only quick and healthy but also versatile. Its delightful flavors make it perfect for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding proteins like chicken or tofu, or incorporate seasonal vegetables. This salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering!

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Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

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

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Description

Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing. This refreshing dish combines tender bowtie pasta, crisp spinach, and zesty mandarin oranges, all tossed in a homemade teriyaki dressing that adds a delicious twist. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual lunch, festive dinner, or picnic treat—this salad is quick to prepare and 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 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)
• ¼ cup cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a jar, combine teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and oil. Shake well and chill.
3. In a large bowl, mix together cooked pasta, spinach, craisins, nuts, mandarin oranges, and cilantro.
4. Just before serving, pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg