MANDARIN PASTA SPINACH SALAD WITH TERIYAKI DRESSING

By janicecraig

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta salad
• 4 cups spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup craisins
• 1/3 cup cashews or pine nuts (such as Diamond of California)
• 1 4-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• dressing
• 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce (the thicker, the better!)
• 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar (may sub apple cider vinegar)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (if you have it)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup oil (such as vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil)

Details

Adapted from lecremedelacrumb.com

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
While pasta is boiling, prepare the dressing. In a jar combine all dressing ingredients. Cover and shake to combine. Chill until ready to use.
In a large bowl toss together pasta, spinach, craisins, nuts, mandarin oranges, and cilantro. Just before serving pour dressing over salad, toss, and serve.

NOTE
If possible, opt for a thicker teriyaki sauce. My favorite brand is Kikkoman.