Description
A refreshing and flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Pasta Salad combining tender bowtie pasta, baby spinach, and diced chicken with a zesty homemade teriyaki dressing, accented by crunchy honey roasted peanuts, sweet dried cranberries, and juicy mandarin oranges. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal or party dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Teriyaki Dressing
- 6 Tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
Salad
- 12 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
- 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Dressing: In a small bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, vegetable oil, rice wine vinegar, granulated sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk thoroughly until well blended. Cover the dressing and refrigerate until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain and Cool Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a strainer, rinse under cold running water to cool, and shake off any excess water. Set aside to cool completely to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Assemble Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby spinach leaves, diced cooked chicken, honey roasted peanuts, dried cranberries, drained mandarin oranges, chopped fresh cilantro, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the desired amount of prepared teriyaki dressing over the salad. Toss gently again to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving for a colder option.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute grilled chicken for the cooked chicken to add a smoky flavor.
- Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preference; start with half and add more as desired.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, toast the peanuts lightly before adding to the salad.
- Bowtie pasta can be replaced with rotini or penne pasta as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
