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Teriyaki spinach pasta salad combines juicy mandarin oranges, savory teriyaki chicken, and crunchy cashews for a flavor explosion in every bite! The best Asian-inspired pasta salad to serve alongside your favorite meals.
If you love this teriyaki spinach pasta salad another great Asian-inspired dish to try is this soba noodle salad! Both are super easy to whip up, take on the go, and packed with incredible flavor.
Teriyaki Chicken Pasta Salad
We love teriyaki chicken at my house. (Don’t we all?) It’s a dinner staple! But for those times when I’m craving something a little more wholesome, pasta salad is my go-to. This teriyaki spinach pasta salad is the best of both worlds. Here’s why:
The pasta keeps things nice and hearty but I LOVE the added leafy greens. Then you’ve got those tender pieces of chicken and crunchy cashew bits all smothered in a homemade teriyaki dressing. The perfect pasta salad for this spring, summer, and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients to create a pasta salad that checks all of the boxes: bright and fresh but hearty and satisfying! (Exact measurements are in the recipe card below!)
For the Pasta Salad:
- Bowtie Pasta:Â Grabs onto the yummy teriyaki dressing for flavor in each bite.
- Baby Spinach Leaves:Â For flavor and texture. You can also use kale instead if you prefer.
- Boneless Chicken:Â I used cooked, chopped chicken but shredded chicken will also work. Whatever you prefer!
- Craisins:Â So your teriyaki pasta salad has a sweet and tart contrast to the savory flavors.
- Honey Roasted Cashews:Â For the perfect crunch and nutty flavor. You could also use peanuts interchangeably.
- Mandarin Oranges: You can’t go wrong with a little pop of citrus-y flavor!
- Garnishes: Chopped cilantro for some herby, peppery flavor, green onions for more savory flavor, and sesame seeds for that perfect texture!
For the Teriyaki Dressing:
- Vegetable Oil:Â The base of the teriyaki dressing.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Use your favorite brand! Yoshida’s is my personal favorite.
- Rice Vinegar:Â So the dressing is sweet and tangy.
- Granulated Sugar:Â Balances out all the savory flavors.
- Garlic (Minced):Â For savory, delicious flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper:Â Basic seasonings to bring out all the flavors in the dressing.
Teriyaki Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe
Not only does this teriyaki spinach pasta salad look and taste good, but it’s super easy to mix up. Perfect for making last minute before any potluck or get-together.
Make the Dressing
- Combine Ingredients: To a medium bowl, add the oil, teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Whisk Together: Whisk to combine and then set aside.
Pasta Salad
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta in a strainer then run it under cold water to cool the pasta.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Then to a large bowl, add the pasta, spinach, chicken, craisins, cashews, mandarin oranges, cilantro, green onion, and sesame seeds.
- Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and then toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve right away or refrigerate the salad for up to 2 hours before serving.
Tips and Variations
What I love most about this teriyaki spinach pasta salad is how unique it is! The flavors are so delicious and you’ll want to bring it to every gathering. Here are some tips and ideas to make it your own.
- Make Ahead: This teriyaki spinach pasta salad can be prepared in advance! Prep all the add-ins and store them in containers. Make the dressing and refrigerate, then cook and chop the chicken. Cook the pasta ahead of time, then assemble when you’re ready to serve. You can even assemble it and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before serving. All of the ingredients hold up well and marinate together!
- Add Different Fruit: Grapes or pineapple would be delicious in this salad. Experiment and make it your own!
- Nuts: I love any type of honey-roasted nuts because it adds sweetness, but any type of nuts can be used in this salad. Raw, toasted, caramelized…you decide!
- Chicken: I LOVE using leftover grilled chicken in the recipe. The grilled flavor pairs well with the teriyaki dressing. Any leftover chicken will work. Use baked, shredded, or even a rotisserie chicken.
- Marinate the Pasta and Dressing: This pasta salad gets even better as it sits! Toss some of the dressing with the pasta ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. Add the remaining dressing and ingredients then enjoy!
- Serve as a Meal: This makes the perfect light dinner! It has chicken, pasta, veggies, and fruit! All-in-one salad. Serve with a side of crusty bread and dinner is done!
Storing Leftover Pasta Salad
This delicious teriyaki spinach pasta salad will stay good in the fridge in an airtight container for a day or two. If you plan on storing it any longer than that or want to make sure the salad doesn’t get soggy, store the salad and dressing separately.
More Crave-Worthy Pasta Salad Recipes
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Make the Dressing
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To a medium bowl, add the oil, teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper.
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Whisk to combine and set aside.
Pasta Salad
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Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta in a strainer then run it under cold water to cool the pasta.
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To a large bowl, add the pasta, spinach, chicken, craisins, cashews, mandarin oranges, cilantro, green onion, and sesame seeds.
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Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
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Serve right away or refrigerate the salad for up to 2 hours before serving.
Serving: 1cupCalories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 14gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 593mgPotassium: 405mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 1591IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This story originally appeared on TheRecipeCritic
