Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Bursting with bright colors and fresh ingredients, this salad makes a great side dish or a light main course. The addictive teriyaki dressing ties everything together, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, picnics, or weeknight dinners. Enjoy a healthy meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with spinach, mandarin oranges, and nuts, it’s a nutrient-rich option.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish—perfect for any meal.
• Addictive Dressing: The homemade teriyaki vinaigrette adds an irresistible flavor boost.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing this Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing even easier! Gather these essentials before starting your culinary adventure.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking pasta evenly and efficiently.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Jar with lid: Perfect for shaking up the dressing quickly and easily.

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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)

How to Make Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients: teriyaki sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and oil.
2. Cover the jar tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.
3. Chill the dressing 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 and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!

How to Serve Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that can be served in various ways. Whether as a light meal or a side, it’s perfect for any occasion.

As a Main Dish

• Serve this salad on its own for a satisfying meal. The pasta and spinach provide ample nutrients, making it filling and healthy.

As a Side Salad

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken or turkey for a protein boost. The teriyaki dressing complements the flavors beautifully.

At Potlucks

• This salad is great for gatherings. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, and everyone loves the combination of sweet mandarin oranges and crunchy nuts.

For Meal Prep

• Prepare individual servings in mason jars. Layer the ingredients, adding the dressing at the bottom to keep everything fresh until ready to eat.

How to Perfect Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

To get the most out of your Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing, keep these tips in mind.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach and high-quality pasta will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
• Chill your dressing – Allowing your teriyaki dressing to chill enhances its flavors, making it even more delicious when poured over the salad.
• Customize with toppings – Add grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein, or include other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for variety.
• Adjust sweetness – If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the dressing to suit your taste.
• Make ahead – This salad can be made in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Looking for complementary dishes? Here are some excellent side options that pair well with Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Juicy chicken pieces marinated in teriyaki sauce add a delightful flavor contrast.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli offers a nutritious side that balances out the sweetness of the salad.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls – Fresh spring rolls filled with crunchy veggies make a refreshing appetizer alongside this salad.
4. Quinoa Pilaf – A quinoa pilaf with herbs adds an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the bright notes of mandarin oranges.
5. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries bring a hint of sweetness that complements the teriyaki dressing perfectly.
6. Garlic Stir-Fried Greens – Quick stir-fried greens like bok choy or kale provide a savory element that rounds out your meal nicely.
7. Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar adds additional crunch and freshness.
8. Fruit Platter – A colorful fruit platter can serve as a light dessert, enhancing the fruity notes present in your main salad dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the rinse: Not rinsing your pasta after cooking can lead to a sticky salad. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down and prevent clumping.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the flavors. Start with a small amount, toss, and add more as needed.
• Using stale ingredients: Old spinach or nuts can ruin your salad’s freshness. Always check your ingredients for quality before use.
• Ignoring measurements: Not following ingredient measurements can throw off the balance of flavors. Use precise amounts for best results.
• Not chilling the dressing: Serving the dressing warm can change the salad’s texture and taste. Chill it in advance for a refreshing flavor.
• Forgetting about garnishes: Neglecting garnishes like additional cilantro or nuts makes the salad less appealing. Add these just before serving for extra flair.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended as fresh ingredients like spinach may become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm salad in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or oil if needed to prevent sticking.

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! You can easily add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers or substitute different nuts based on your preference.

What type of pasta works best in this salad?

Bowtie pasta is perfect, but you can substitute any pasta shape you enjoy, such as rotini or farfalle.

How do I make this salad vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, replace any non-vegan ingredients (if used) and ensure your teriyaki sauce is plant-based.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the teriyaki dressing one day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Final Thoughts

The Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is not only quick and easy but also versatile and packed with flavor. This vibrant dish is perfect for lunch or as a side at dinner gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to match your taste!