Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing pasta salad? Try this Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad. Bright canned mandarin oranges, fresh spinach, sweet craisins, crunchy slivered almonds, and a simple teriyaki dressing combine for a flavorful, easy-to-make salad.
Ready in minutes, this salad is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or summer gatherings. Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a side or a light main—either way it’s refreshing and satisfying.
What Is Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad?
Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad brings together tender pasta and baby spinach with sweet mandarin oranges and a few mix-ins for contrast. The combination of textures and flavors—sweet fruit, chewy craisins, and crunchy almonds—paired with a savory teriyaki-style dressing makes this salad both nutritious and tasty.
Why Is Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad Good For You?
This salad delivers fiber from both pasta and spinach, plus vitamins and minerals from the greens and mandarin oranges. It’s relatively low in fat when you control the dressing and can be adapted to suit dietary needs while still offering plenty of flavor.
Ingredients Needed for Mandarin Pasta Salad
- Pasta noodles (8 oz)
- Spinach leaves (about 4 cups)
- Craisins (1/2 cup)
- Slivered almonds (1/3 cup)
- Mandarin oranges, canned and drained (about 4 oz)
- Teriyaki sauce (about 1/3 cup; thicker is better)
- Rice wine vinegar (1/3 cup)
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp)
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Salt (1/4 tsp)
- Pepper (1/4 tsp)
- Sugar (1 Tbsp)
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup)
How To Make Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with spinach, craisins, slivered almonds, and drained mandarin oranges.
3. In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together teriyaki sauce, rice wine vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
3 Tips for Making the Perfect Mandarin Orange Salad
- Cook pasta al dente. Follow package instructions so the pasta holds up and doesn’t become mushy once mixed with the other ingredients.
- Choose the dressing you enjoy. The teriyaki dressing in this recipe is a great match, but Italian or a light vinaigrette also work well.
- Add extra crunch if you like. Chopped bacon, toasted seeds, or croutons add satisfying texture and can make the salad more substantial.
How To Store Mandarin Orange Pasta Salad
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.
Variation Options For Spinach Mandarin Salad
This salad is versatile—feel free to swap ingredients to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a protein-forward main course.
- Use quinoa or cooked rice instead of pasta for a gluten-free or grain-based variation.
- Replace spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green profile.
- Include avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
- Stir in crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangy finish.
Salads are easy to customize—adjust ingredients and proportions until you find your favorite combination.
FAQ’S For Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad
Can I make this mandarin spinach pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the salad and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For best texture, add the dressing right before serving.
Does mandarin spinach pasta salad freeze well?
Freezing is not ideal for this salad because the spinach and mandarin segments can become mushy. If you must freeze, freeze the pasta separately and mix in fresh ingredients after thawing.
Pasta salads like this one are perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks—easy, customizable, and quick to make. Try this Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad and adjust it to your taste. Enjoy!
More delicious Salad Recipes
- Broccoli Grape Pasta Salad
- Mixed Berry Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Mexican Pasta Salad
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Best Potato Salad
Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad
April King
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz. pasta noodles
- 4 cups spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup craisins
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds
- 4 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
Teriyaki Dressing
- 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce thicker is better
- 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
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In a large bowl, toss pasta with spinach, craisins, slivered almonds, and mandarin oranges.
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Whisk teriyaki sauce, rice wine vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and olive oil together until combined.
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Pour dressing over the salad just before serving and enjoy.
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