If you’re searching for a vibrant, refreshing dish that marries sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all in one bowl, then this Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. It’s the perfect combination of tender bowtie pasta, crisp fresh spinach, juicy mandarin oranges, and a pop of crunch from nuts—all brought together by a delectably balanced teriyaki dressing. This salad isn’t just a side; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that will brighten any meal or stand harmoniously as a light main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you—these are simple, fresh ingredients that each play a unique role in building layers of flavor and texture. Whether it’s the sweetness from the mandarin oranges or the crunchy nuttiness, every item is essential for achieving that perfect balance.
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta: The fun shape holds onto dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Fresh greens add vibrant color and a nutritious boost, with a mild earthiness that complements the fruitiness.
- ½ cup craisins: These dried cranberries add a delightful sweet-tart chewiness that contrasts the other textures.
- ⅓ cup pine nuts (or cashews): Nuts bring a toasty crunch and rich flavor that elevates the salad’s overall experience.
- 1 can (4 ounces) mandarin oranges: Juicy and sweet, mandarins deliver bursts of citrusy brightness and moisture.
- â…“ cup teriyaki sauce: A savory-sweet foundation for the dressing, tying all the flavors together.
- â…“ cup rice apple vinegar: Adds gentle acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance freshness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle hint of aromatic depth without overpowering other ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder with a mild savory undertone.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the salad’s components and rounds out the flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Boosts the sweetness to harmonize with the citrus and teriyaki.
- ½ cup oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil): Creates a smooth, luscious dressing that coats the salad evenly.
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves: Offers a fresh, bright herbal note that lifts the dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a mild, clean finish and beautiful green flecks throughout.
How to Make Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Chill the Pasta
Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions—usually boiling for around 10 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This step prevents the pasta from getting mushy and helps your salad maintain a fresh texture.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Dressing
In a jar or small bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, rice apple vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and your choice of oil. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously or whisk well until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Then, pop it in the fridge to chill—this chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss in the cooled pasta, fresh spinach leaves, craisins, your chosen nuts, drained mandarin oranges, and the bright cilantro leaves. This mixture will already look like a colorful, inviting feast. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed so every forkful gets a little bit of everything.
Step 4: Dress and Toss Just Before Serving
When it’s time to serve, pour the chilled teriyaki dressing over your salad. Gently toss everything together, making sure the dressing coats all the components without bruising the delicate spinach or mandarins. This final gentle toss sets the stage for a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
How to Serve Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your salad with a sprinkle of extra toasted pine nuts or cashews on top. A few fresh cilantro or parsley leaves scattered over the salad add an inviting pop of green and a boost of fragrant herbal flavor. If you enjoy a bit of zest, a light dusting of freshly grated ginger or lemon zest can really brighten things up, too.
Side Dishes
This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or baked salmon for a balanced meal. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside crispy tofu or a warm bowl of miso soup. The salad’s sweet-sour profile makes it a great partner for anything with a mild, savory seasoning.
Creative Ways to Present
Brighten your table by serving this salad in a hollowed-out orange shell or colorful bowls that showcase its vivid ingredients. For a fun, casual gathering, try assembling individual portions in mason jars layered carefully to display the colors and textures—the dressing can be added last-minute when ready to eat. This approach also makes it easy for guests to serve themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the spinach and pasta from becoming soggy, keep the dressing separate and toss it in right before serving again. This helps maintain the fresh, crisp texture and lively flavors.
Freezing
Due to the delicate nature of the fresh spinach and the dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the spinach and mandarins would not hold up well to freezing and thawing, resulting in a less desirable eating experience.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm up the pasta component separately, that’s fine—just be sure to serve it with fresh spinach and mandarin oranges, and add the chilled dressing only when ready to eat to keep everything fresh and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully because of its shape and texture, other pasta like rotini, farfalle, or penne will also hold the dressing well and taste great.
Is there a substitute for teriyaki sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute using soy sauce, a bit of honey or brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to mimic that sweet-savory flavor.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Just be sure to choose a teriyaki sauce without fish or animal ingredients and use oil instead of any dressings that contain honey to keep it fully plant-based.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
For an extra protein boost, grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame are all fantastic additions that complement the flavors without overpowering the salad.
What’s the best way to toast nuts for this salad?
Toast pine nuts or cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant—usually 3 to 5 minutes. This enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing Recipe is one of those rare dishes that is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. It’s bursting with freshness, bright citrus, and that perfect sweet-savory dressing that makes every bite satisfying. Whether for a quick lunch, a potluck, or a vibrant side dish, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it becoming a favorite in your meal rotation, just like it is in mine.
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Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad featuring bowtie pasta, fresh spinach, sweet mandarin oranges, craisins, and crunchy pine nuts, all tossed in a tangy homemade teriyaki dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad combines sweet and savory flavors with fresh herbs for a delightful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup craisins
- â…“ cup pine nuts (or cashews)
- 1 can (4 ounces) mandarin oranges
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- â…“ cup teriyaki sauce
- â…“ 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, or olive oil)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a jar, combine the teriyaki sauce, rice apple vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and oil. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well emulsified. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh spinach, craisins, pine nuts (or cashews), mandarin orange segments, and cilantro leaves. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Just before serving, pour the chilled teriyaki dressing over the salad. Toss the salad gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the flavorful dressing. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Rinsing the pasta with cold water after cooking ensures the salad stays cool and prevents the pasta from overcooking or sticking.
- Substitute pine nuts with cashews or walnuts depending on availability and preference.
- For a vegan version, ensure the teriyaki sauce is vegan-friendly or make your own from soy sauce and sweetener.
- Preparing the dressing in advance lets the flavors meld, enhancing the salad’s taste.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
