Skip to main content

Spinach Pasta Salad

This fun and delicious pasta salad recipe combines fresh veggies, crunchy seeds, tangy fruit and tender pasta with a savory teriyaki dressing.
Bowl of a mix of macaroni noodles, spinach, oranges and dried cranberries.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

DRESSING
2 Tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar (white, rice or cider)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon each salt and black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons sugar
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
 
SALAD
2 cups cooked pasta (try whole wheat shells, bow ties, macaroni or other small shapes)
4 cups fresh spinach
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 Tablespoons sunflower seed kernels
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients.
  4. Add the salad ingredients. Mix well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try using ⅓ cup prepared sesame or ginger salad dressing from the store to replace the dressing ingredients.

Comments

We make this with our 5th grade classes and they love it. One suggestion they always have, though, is less vinegar. I do usually use a lot less than what the recipe calls for since the first time I made it, the majority of the class said it had too much and didn't like. Once we cut the vinegar back to 1 TBSP, they all give me the thumbs up.

Kamut works very nicely as a substitute for the pasta in this recipe.  It's hearty and chewy texture holds up well and takes care of the "squishy" problem noted in the previous review.

Made this recipe for our office staff for lunch. Got really good feedback and everyone seemed to really like the dressing. However, I think if I made it again I would not do substitute quinoa for the pasta. I just felt like the texture of the cooked macaroni combined with the texture of the spinach made the salad a bit "squishy."

A coworker also suggested adding some chopped chicken as well, but I think it was fine without it.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Plate of pasta shells filled with pumpkin and cheese filling over red pasta sauce.

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A rich, creamy recipe that combines fall flavors with satisfying pasta.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 Filled Shells
Cauliflower Salad
Photo of Cauliflower Salad

Cauliflower Salad

Tender veggies with a creamy dressing make a perfect side dish. Great for summer BBQs!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Watermelon with Lime and Chili Powder
Plate of seasoned watermelon chunks.

Watermelon with Lime and Chili Powder

A simple and healthy snack that is sweet and spicy.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Applesauce French Toast
Slices of french toast cooked with applesauce, vanilla and cinnamon are displayed on a plate.

Applesauce French Toast

A low-sugar and flavorful French toast recipe that’s perfect with your favorite toppings!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 Slices
Quick Chili
Photo of Quick Chili

Quick Chili

With 5 ingredients and 30 minutes, you will have a hearty and satisfying chili. Add your favorite veggies and toppings.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Watermelon Cooler
Glasses filled with pink juice.

Watermelon Cooler

A refreshing, kid-approved drink with only 2 ingredients.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.