Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Mandarin Pasta Salad with Spinach and Teriyaki Dressing

Last week, I saw the most amazing looking pasta salad on one of my favorite blogs, Designer Bags & Dirty Diapers.  She is always posting the best looking recipes!  As soon as she posted a pic I immediately craved it and knew I wouldn't be able to wait long to try it. 

After some digging, I found the original recipe on another great blog, Le Creme de la Crumb. Let me tell you - this recipe did not disappoint.  I made the dressing just as the recipe called for, but mixed up a few of the salad ingredients.  I chose to skip the cilantro, pine nuts, and craisins, and instead added salty feta and crunchy slivered almonds.  I've been eating this all week for lunch and have yet to tire of it!


This salad has kept really well in the fridge.  I tossed it immediately with just enough dressing so that the pasta wouldn't stick, and have been adding more dressing when I have it for lunch. 


Ingredients (adapted from original recipe found here):
 Dressing:
*1/3 c. teriyaki sauce (I used the thicker, glaze style)
*1/3 c. rice wine vinegar
*1/2 c. olive oil
*1/2 tsp. garlic powder
*1/2 tsp. onion powder
*1/4 tsp. salt
*1/4 tsp. pepper
*1 tbsp. sugar

Salad:
*8 oz bowtie pasta (half a box)
*4 c. spinach
*1 (4 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
*1/3 c. feta cheese
*1/3 c. slivered almonds

Prepare the pasta according to package directions.  Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.  Meanwhile, combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake to combine.  In a bowl, combine all salad ingredients and toss with just enough dressing to ensure the pasta does not stick together.  Refrigerate, then top with more dressing when ready to serve.  Enjoy!


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