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.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Step 6

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1048.4 grams (1048.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1610

Total Fat 63.80g	82%
Saturated Fat 7.70g	39%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.90g
Cholesterol 202mg	67%
Sodium 1985mg	86%
Total Carbohydrate 159.60g	58%
Dietary Fiber 19.60g	70%
Total Sugars 65.40g
Protein 108.70g	217%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 465mg	36%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 2042mg	43%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.9%

Protein: 26.4%

Carbs: 38.8%