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Monday, April 6, 2009

Spinach, Chicken and Pasta Salad



This salad takes a bit of prep work, but is definitely worth it! The different flavors mesh together well to create a salad you won't forget.
This makes a big salad - great for parties.


Serves 10-12 people

Ingredients:

16 oz bowtie pasta, cooked al dente

For the Dressing:

1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup Teriyaki sauce
2/3 cup white wine vinegar
6 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper


For the Salad:
1 (10 oz) bag fresh spinach
1 (6 oz) bag Craisins
3 (11 oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained
3 (8 oz) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained *
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
6 oz honey roasted peanuts or cashews
2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small pieces


Directions:

1. Blend dressing ingredients together.

2. Mix dressing, cooked pasta, and chicken in large bowl and marinate for two hours.

3. Combine rest of salad ingredients in large salad bowl. Add pasta and dressing; toss.**

* I omitted these and the salad was great without them.

**Don't finish putting salad together until close to serving time. The nuts will soften and the spinach will wilt.

3 comments:

Kristin Kimble Purles said...

Yeah! I have been waiting a whole four days for this recipe to be posted. Jami spoiled us with this delicious salad for lunch and I have been craving it ever since. I know I will be making it soon! Thanks Jami! It is now one of my "go to" recipes for sure.

Taylor Gardner said...

This salad is SO tasty and satisfying! I probably voiced this opinion with my 4.5 helpings of it, but thought I should let the rest of the world know it's a keeper!

Kristin Kimble Purles said...

After searching Allrecipes for way too long for a recipe to take to potluck, I remembered this salad. It's perfect because it makes a big batch! Just a few tips - The Easy Teriyaki Sauce on this site makes about 3/4 cup. I use all of it and cut back a little on the oil and vinegar. I had fresh pineapple on hand so used it in place of half of the oranges - a nice addition. Using canned chicken is a great time saver without sacrificing flavor. I mixed up the noodles, chicken, green onion and parsley with half of the dressing to sit. Then mixed all ingredients and remaining dressing just before serving.