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A refreshing Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with a light dressing

Perfect Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad

A refreshing and vibrant pasta salad featuring tender pasta, fresh spinach, sweet mandarin oranges, and a light dressing, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 15 ounces mandarin oranges (canned, drained)
  • 0.5 medium red onion thinly sliced
Dressing
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Pasta
  1. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Salad Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, fresh spinach, drained mandarin oranges, and thinly sliced red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Notes

For added crunch and flavor, consider adding 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.