If you are tired of the same old salad, day after day, try this awesome one. It's fresh, healthy, easy to make and very addicting. Add cooked chicken if desired.
8 oz. bowtie pasta
4 c. fresh spinach
½ c. Craisins
⅓ c. cashews or pine nuts
4 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
¼ c. cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
Chow Mein noodles, for garnish (optional)
Dressing:
⅓ c. Kikkoman teriyaki sauce (thick is best)*
⅓ c. rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
½ t. garlic powder
½ t. onion powder
¼ t. salt
¼ t. black pepper
1 T. sugar
½ c. olive, vegetable or canola oil
Cook pasta al dente in well salted water according to package instructions, 8-12 minutes; drain; rinse with cold water; drain again; set aside.
While pasta is cooking, prepare dressing:
In a jar with a lid, combine all dressing ingredients; cover; shake to combine. Chill until ready to use.
In a large bowl, toss together cooled pasta, spinach, Craisins, nuts, mandarin oranges and cilantro.
When ready to serve, pour dressing over salad; toss; serve garnished with Chow Mein noodles.
4 servings.
*When possible, use a thick teriyaki sauce.