Mandarin Pasta Salad
Bright, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this Mandarin Pasta Salad is a show-stopper that’s perfect for any time of year. Featuring tender pasta, juicy mandarin oranges, crisp baby spinach, and nutty sliced almonds, this salad strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and fresh ginger, every bite bursts with vibrant, tangy goodness. For added heartiness, you can include sliced grilled chicken, making it a versatile side dish or light main course. Ready in just 25 minutes, this colorful salad is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for potlucks, picnics, or quick weeknight meals. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra crunch and let the blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients elevate your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pasta (bowtie or rotini)
- 11 ounces Mandarin oranges (canned, drained)
- 2 cups Baby spinach leaves
- 0.5 cup Sliced almonds
- 0.25 cup Green onions (chopped)
- 1 cup Grilled chicken breast (optional, cooked and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1.5 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (fresh, grated)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic (minced)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool completely.
While the pasta is cooling, prepare the dressing by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby spinach leaves, drained mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, green onions, and optional grilled chicken if desired.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
395 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.8 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 51 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 471 mg | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.1 g | ||
| Protein | 26.7 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 117 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 511 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
