Asian Spinach Mandarine Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients to create this tasty pasta salad:

• 1 box cooked farfalle pasta (bow tie)

• 5 cups fresh spinach (uncooked)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/3 cup roasted cashews

• 8 oz can mandarin oranges in juice

• 1/4 cup chopped scallions

  
  

For the dressing, you will need:

• 1/3 cup low sodium teriyaki sauce

• 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/2 cup olive oil

  
  

You likely have many of these staples in your kitchen!

Preparing the Pasta Salad

With all your fresh ingredients ready, it’s time to put together this delightful salad.

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package directions. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool. This pasta type works well as it holds the dressing beautifully.

   
   

2. Combine Your Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, layer your ingredients. Start with the fresh spinach, then add the cooled pasta, dried cranberries, and roasted cashews. Don’t forget to add the mandarin oranges and scallions!

   
   

3. Whip Up the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix the low sodium teriyaki sauce, rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, grated garlic, onion powder, black pepper, brown sugar, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

   
   

4. Dress Your Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.

   
   

5. Chill Out: To enhance the flavors, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step allows the ingredients to meld together.

   
   

Serving Suggestions

Once you're ready to enjoy your picnic, pack the Spinach Mandarine Pasta Salad in an airtight container. Consider carrying extra dressing on the side in case anyone wants a little extra flavor.

You can serve this salad as a side dish or make it a main attraction by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost. Not only is it perfect for picnics, but this pasta salad can easily become a recurring dish on your weekly menu.

A vibrant and colorful spinach mandarine pasta salad ready for a picnic.

Storage and Leftover Tips

If you manage to have leftovers, store your Spinach Mandarine Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Keep in mind that the fresh spinach may begin to wilt after a couple of days.

If the salad seems a bit dry after storage, a splash of leftover dressing can easily perk it up without sacrificing flavor.