Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a delightful and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a casual family dinner, or looking for a quick and healthy lunch option, this salad shines with its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing. The combination of pasta, spinach, and sweet mandarin oranges tossed in a flavorful teriyaki vinaigrette creates a unique flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh spinach, fruit, and nuts, this salad is nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish at gatherings; it’s perfect for any event.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of teriyaki dressing with sweet mandarin oranges adds an exciting twist to traditional salads.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Jar with lid (for dressing)
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the pasta evenly and thoroughly.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine all salad ingredients easily without spilling.
• Jar with lid: Perfect for shaking the dressing ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

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 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 until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients: teriyaki sauce, rice apple vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and oil.
2. Cover the jar tightly with a lid 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, pine nuts or cashews, drained mandarin oranges, and chopped cilantro.
2. Just before serving, pour the chilled teriyaki dressing over the salad mixture.
3. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing evenly and serve immediately.

Enjoy this refreshing Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing as a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

This refreshing salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, the vibrant flavors of the Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing will impress your guests. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your salad experience.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair with grilled chicken for added protein.
• Serve alongside whole-grain bread for a heartier meal.

As a Side Dish

• Complement grilled fish or shrimp to enhance the Asian flavors.
• Offer it next to barbecued meats for a fresh contrast.

At Potlucks or Gatherings

• Make it in larger batches and serve in a big bowl for sharing.
• Provide individual servings in mason jars for convenience and style.

With Garnishes

• Top with additional cilantro or sesame seeds for an extra crunch.
• Add sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Perfect Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

To ensure your Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing turns out amazing every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe mandarins make all the difference in flavor.
• Chill the dressing: Letting the dressing sit enhances its flavors; prepare it ahead of time.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente texture to prevent mushiness in the salad.
• Taste before serving: Adjust seasoning or add more teriyaki sauce if necessary before tossing everything together.
• Experiment with nuts: Try different nuts like almonds or walnuts for varying textures and tastes.
• Make it ahead: Prepare everything except the dressing beforehand, keeping components separate until serving.

Best Side Dishes for Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

This salad pairs well with various side dishes that can complement its flavors. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Marinated chicken skewers add protein and pair beautifully with the salad’s tangy dressing.
2. Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry – A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas sautéed in soy sauce brings crispness and warmth.
3. Coconut Rice – Sweet coconut rice provides a creamy contrast to the salad’s freshness while enhancing its Asian flair.
4. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter that complements the cold salad wonderfully.
5. Spring Rolls – Fresh veggie spring rolls served with peanut sauce create a light and crispy addition to your meal.
6. Edamame – Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers a healthy, protein-packed side that balances well with the salad’s ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing, it’s easy to overlook some key aspects. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not cooking the pasta properly: Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the salad. Always follow package instructions for al dente pasta. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Skipping the chilling time for dressing: If you don’t chill the teriyaki dressing, it won’t meld the flavors as well. Prepare it ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge before mixing it with the salad.
• Using stale nuts: Old or stale nuts can ruin your salad’s flavor. Make sure your pine nuts or cashews are fresh for that delightful crunch.
• Forgetting to season: A bland salad is never appealing. Don’t skip adding salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of your Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad.
• Not customizing ingredients: Sticking strictly to the recipe may limit your options. Feel free to swap out nuts or fruits based on what you have on hand!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• The salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve for best freshness.

Freezing Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as fresh ingredients lose texture when thawed.
• If needed, consider freezing just the dressing separately.

Reheating Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm pasta briefly, but avoid reheating spinach.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short increments (30 seconds), stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing?

You can add proteins like chicken or tofu for added nutrition, as well as different veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.

What other dressings work well with this salad?

While teriyaki dressing is delicious, you could also try a sesame ginger dressing or a light vinaigrette for a different twist.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

The Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a side dish or make it a meal by adding proteins. With options for customization based on your tastes and what’s available, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep coming back to! Try experimenting with different ingredients and enjoy your delicious creation!