Name: Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta; 4 cups spinach leaves; ½ cup craisins; ⅓ cup pine nuts or cashews; 1 (4 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained; ¼ cup chopped cilantroFor the Dressing:; ⅓ cup thick teriyaki sauce; ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder (optional); ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp sugar; ½ cup oil (olive, canola, or vegetable)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a salad that doesn’t just feel like a side dish, but holds its own as a full meal. That’s exactly what you get with this Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing—a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as refreshing as it is filling. It’s the kind of salad that turns heads at a potluck and disappears quickly at a family gathering.

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach recipe is one of those happy accidents that became a staple in my kitchen. I first tasted something similar at a friend’s barbecue, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the blend of sweet mandarin oranges, the crunch of nuts, the earthy spinach, and that unexpectedly bold teriyaki dressing. I went home, made a few tweaks, and now it’s the salad I bring to every picnic, potluck, and weeknight dinner table.

What makes this salad so special is the combination of flavors and textures. You’ve got the chewy bowtie pasta, juicy mandarin oranges, tart dried cranberries, nutty pine nuts, and fresh spinach, all tied together with a savory-sweet dressing that’s just the right amount of bold. It’s colorful, it’s satisfying, and best of all, it’s super easy to throw together.

Whether you’re serving this salad alongside grilled chicken for a quick dinner or packing it for lunch during the week, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for every occasion. It’s light enough for spring and summer meals but hearty enough to enjoy year-round. And let’s be honest—it’s also a fantastic way to sneak more greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach salad has become one of my most reliable recipes for a reason: it checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and convenience. Here’s why you’re going to love it too:

Easy to Make
This is the kind of dish that doesn’t require a lot of prep or complicated cooking techniques. The pasta boils in minutes, and the dressing is a quick whisk-away from being done. You can assemble the salad in less than 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Flavorful and Balanced
There’s a delightful play between sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. The mandarin oranges and craisins offer bursts of sweetness, while the teriyaki dressing brings in a rich umami punch that ties everything together.

Great for All Occasions
Serve it as a main dish or a side. Bring it to a potluck, prep it for lunch, or serve it at your next family dinner. It fits into any meal plan with ease.

Customizable
From swapping the nuts to adding grilled chicken or tofu, this salad is incredibly flexible. You can tweak it to match your taste preferences or dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

Fresh and Textured
Thanks to the variety of ingredients, every bite of this salad is exciting. The spinach is tender, the pasta is firm yet soft, the nuts add crunch, and the dressing brings it all together in a smooth, flavorful way.

Health Benefits

While this salad is undeniably delicious, it’s also full of ingredients that are good for you. Here’s what makes it a wholesome choice:

Spinach
Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and antioxidants, spinach helps support immune health and reduce inflammation.

Mandarin Oranges
These little citrus gems are high in vitamin C and fiber, boosting immunity and promoting digestion.

Craisins (Dried Cranberries)
A good source of antioxidants, dried cranberries add natural sweetness while offering heart-healthy benefits.

Pine Nuts or Cashews
Rich in healthy fats, magnesium, and protein, these nuts contribute to satiety and support brain function.

Whole Ingredients
The homemade dressing means you know exactly what’s going into your food—no mystery additives or preservatives.

Balanced Macros
You’ve got complex carbs from the pasta, greens for fiber, fruits for natural sweetness, and nuts for healthy fats, creating a balanced meal in one bowl.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Servings:
Serves 4 to 6 people

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 420
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 12g

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to bring this refreshing salad to life:

For the Salad:

8 ounces bowtie pasta
4 cups fresh spinach leaves (rinsed and dried)
½ cup craisins (dried cranberries)
⅓ cup pine nuts or cashews (lightly toasted for extra flavor)
1 (4-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Teriyaki Dressing:

⅓ cup thick teriyaki sauce (choose a robust one like Kikkoman)
⅓ cup rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, but recommended)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup oil (olive, vegetable, or canola)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling water and cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Teriyaki Dressing
While the pasta cooks, combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar or mixing bowl. Shake or whisk thoroughly until the mixture emulsifies. Chill in the refrigerator until it’s time to dress the salad. This gives the flavors a chance to meld.

3. Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended)
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts or cashews for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.

4. Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, fresh spinach, craisins, mandarin oranges, toasted nuts, and chopped cilantro. Use clean hands or salad tongs to gently toss the ingredients together.

5. Add the Dressing
Just before serving, pour the chilled teriyaki dressing over the salad. Start with half and toss to coat. Taste and add more dressing as needed to your preference. This helps prevent overdressing and keeps the salad fresh.

6. Serve Immediately
Once the dressing is added, the salad is ready to serve. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

How to Serve

This salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

As a light main dish for lunch or dinner
As a side with grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted vegetables
In a large bowl at potlucks, picnics, or barbecues
In a meal prep container with a protein of your choice
As a refreshing starter before a heavier main course

Pairing Suggestions

To make a complete meal, pair this salad with complementary sides or drinks:

Proteins:

Grilled chicken breast or halal turkey strips
Pan-seared tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option

Sides:

Garlic bread or a toasted baguette
A small bowl of soup like carrot ginger or butternut squash

Beverages:

Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber
Fresh lemonade or iced green tea

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Freezing:
This salad is not freezer-friendly, as the spinach and pasta lose texture after thawing.

Reheating:
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta
If the pasta is too soft, it can become mushy when tossed with the dressing. Cook it just until al dente.

Not Cooling the Pasta
Warm pasta can wilt the spinach and ruin the texture of the salad. Rinse it with cold water and let it cool completely before mixing.

Overdressing
Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a smaller amount and add more only if needed.

Skipping the Nut Toasting
Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Don’t skip this step if you have the time.

Making Too Far in Advance
While the salad holds up okay for a few hours, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing and salad separate until ready to serve.

Pro Tips

Use thick teriyaki sauce for a bolder, richer dressing. A watery sauce will thin out the flavor.
Rinse and spin-dry your spinach thoroughly. Wet spinach can make the salad watery.
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your teriyaki sauce is certified gluten-free.
Chill the dressing for at least 15 minutes before using. This helps the flavors develop and meld.
For extra crunch, top the salad with sesame seeds or crushed wonton strips just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the spinach from getting soggy.

What type of teriyaki sauce should I use?
A thick, flavorful sauce like Kikkoman’s teriyaki glaze works best. Avoid thin, watery sauces.

Can I substitute the spinach with another green?
Absolutely. Arugula, baby kale, or a spring mix all work well.

How can I add protein?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even boiled eggs are excellent additions.

Are there nut-free alternatives?
Yes. Try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.

Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned?
You can. Just be sure to peel and segment them cleanly, and remove any seeds.

What oil is best for the dressing?
Olive oil adds great flavor, but any neutral oil like canola or vegetable works too.

Is this salad kid-friendly?
Definitely. The sweet fruit and pasta combo makes it appealing to children.

What can I use instead of craisins?
Try raisins, chopped dried apricots, or dried cherries for a different twist.

How long does the dressing last?
Stored in the fridge, it’ll keep for up to 5 days in a sealed jar.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is more than just a salad—it’s a fresh, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your lunch routine or wow your guests at the next family get-together, this salad’s got you covered.

Now it’s your turn. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out. Share it with your family, bring it to your next event, or simply enjoy a big bowl for lunch. And if you do, don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking!