Name: Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta (cooked and cooled); 4 cups fresh spinach; ½ cup dried cranberries; ⅓ cup pine nuts or cashews (toasted); 1 (4 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ⅓ cup thick teriyaki sauce (low-sodium preferred); ⅓ cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp sugar or honey; ½ cup vegetable, canola, or light olive oil

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a salad that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy—and this Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing does exactly that. It’s a vibrant bowl of goodness that brings together tender bowtie pasta, crisp spinach, juicy mandarin oranges, sweet craisins, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. Topped with a rich, savory-sweet teriyaki dressing, this salad is one of those magical dishes that always leaves people asking for the recipe.

What makes this salad even more special is how incredibly quick and easy it is to throw together. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques—just a few pantry staples and some fresh produce. Whether you’re putting together a quick weeknight dinner, preparing something bright and beautiful for a potluck, or trying to meal prep for a few days ahead, this dish fits the bill perfectly.

I first came across this salad at a friend’s backyard get-together, and after one bite, I was hooked. It was light but filling, flavorful yet not overpowering. I knew right away that I had to recreate it at home. Over time, I’ve made a few tweaks—sometimes adding grilled chicken for extra protein, or switching up the nuts and fruits depending on what’s in season. But no matter how many times I make it, this salad always brings a pop of joy to the table.

So if you’re looking for something that’s simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this salad just as much as I do.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad will become one of your go-to recipes.

First, it’s super simple to prepare. With minimal chopping and no complicated cooking techniques involved, this salad comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or anytime you want something fresh without much fuss.

Second, it’s loaded with flavor and texture. You get the chewy craisins, crunchy nuts, soft pasta, and juicy mandarin oranges all in one bite. The teriyaki vinaigrette ties everything together with its savory and slightly sweet tang—trust me, it’s the kind of dressing you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

Third, it’s incredibly versatile and customizable. You can switch up the nuts, use different greens, or even toss in some protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make it more filling. It also works beautifully as a side dish or a main course, depending on how you serve it.

Lastly, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing, and the bold flavors keep people coming back for seconds.

Health Benefits

This salad is not just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients that your body will thank you for.

Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. It helps support a healthy immune system and keeps your bones strong.

Mandarin oranges bring in a burst of vitamin C, which is great for skin health and immune function. They also add natural sweetness without any refined sugar.

Pine nuts or cashews provide healthy fats, protein, and magnesium, which supports heart and brain health. They also help make the salad more satisfying.

Dried cranberries offer antioxidants and a touch of natural sweetness. Just be mindful to choose a low-sugar version if you’re watching your sugar intake.

Bowtie pasta adds carbs for energy, and using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta is an easy way to make this dish more nutritious.

The teriyaki dressing, while flavorful, can be made healthier by choosing low-sodium teriyaki sauce and using olive oil for heart-healthy fats.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 370
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g

Ingredients List

For the Salad:

8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle), cooked and cooled
4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, rinsed and dried
½ cup dried cranberries (craisins)
⅓ cup pine nuts or chopped cashews
1 (4-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Teriyaki Dressing:

⅓ cup thick teriyaki sauce (low-sodium recommended)
⅓ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
½ cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Slowly whisk in the oil until the dressing is fully emulsified. Alternatively, shake everything together in a jar until well blended. Chill the dressing in the fridge while you assemble the salad.
Toast the Nuts
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts or chopped cashews and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh spinach, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, mandarin oranges, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Add the Dressing
Just before serving, give the dressing one final shake or stir. Pour it over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Start with about half of the dressing and add more to taste, depending on your preference.
Serve Immediately
For best results, serve the salad right after dressing it so the spinach stays crisp and the flavors are at their freshest.

How to Serve

Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad :

Serve it as a light lunch on its own or with a side of fresh bread.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a hearty main dish.
Pair it with soup or a sandwich for a well-rounded dinner.
Bring it to a potluck or picnic—it travels well and holds up beautifully.

Pairing Suggestions

If you’re serving this salad as part of a larger meal, here are a few pairing ideas:

Main Dishes: Grilled chicken skewers, baked salmon, or herb-marinated tofu.
Side Dishes: Roasted sweet potatoes, a light couscous dish, or a fresh fruit platter.
Beverages: Sparkling water with lemon, iced green tea, or a fresh mint lemonade.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:
If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.

Freezing:
This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh spinach and citrus. However, you can cook and freeze the pasta separately for future use.

Reheating:
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary. Simply toss and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook it just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when tossed with dressing.
Not draining the oranges well: Too much juice can water down the dressing and make the salad soggy.
Dressing too early: Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
Using too much dressing: Start with less and add more as needed. You don’t want to drown the salad.
Skipping the toasting step: Toasted nuts bring out deeper flavors and a satisfying crunch—don’t skip it.

Pro Tips

Use baby spinach for a tender, mild flavor and better texture.
Chill the pasta before tossing to avoid wilting the spinach.
Make the dressing ahead to let the flavors meld—it keeps well for up to a week.
Add protein like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
Play with the flavor by adding a dash of sesame oil or fresh ginger to the dressing for a subtle twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, absolutely. Rotini, penne, or fusilli all work well in this salad. Just be sure to cook them al dente and rinse with cold water.

What can I use instead of pine nuts?
You can swap in chopped cashews, slivered almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the components ahead. Store everything separately and toss just before serving.

Is the dressing spicy?
No, it’s more sweet and tangy than spicy. You can add a pinch of chili flakes if you’d like a kick.

How long does the dressing last?
Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, it will last up to 7 days. Shake well before using.

Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned?
Definitely. Just peel and segment them, removing any seeds or tough membranes.

Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your teriyaki sauce is certified gluten-free.

What oil is best for the dressing?
A neutral oil like canola or vegetable works well, but you can also use light olive oil for a richer flavor.

Do I have to toast the nuts?
You don’t have to, but it adds great flavor and texture. It’s worth the extra few minutes.

Can kids eat this salad?
Yes! Most kids love the sweet mandarin oranges and pasta. You can reduce the dressing slightly for younger palates.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is everything you want in a dish—easy, fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again, whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or bringing something bright to a get-together.

If you try this salad, I’d love to hear how it went for you. Did you add your own twist? Serve it with grilled chicken? Snap a photo and share your creation online—don’t forget to tag me so I can see your delicious spin on it. Happy cooking!