Monday, May 6, 2013

spinach bowtie salad

it feels like summer!
i know it's still only may, but i can't help it.
having only one more week of grad school,
one month left in our first year of teach for america, and HOT weather has contributed to this feeling. we had a fun bbq this weekend and it made me crave my favorite pasta salad that my mom makes. it is amazing and great for any summer occasion! everyone always loves it, and you can make it in big amounts for any party/ barbecue. enjoy the recipe! {remember this recipe is for a large group, so you can 1/2 it if you're making it for a smaller group!} 

Spinach Bowtie Salad


for the salad:
16 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
1 bag fresh spinach {10-ounces}
3 cans mandarin oranges, drained
1 bag craisins {6 ounces}
2 cans sliced water chestnuts, drained {8 ounces each}
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted {optional}
6 ounces honey roasted peanuts {optional}

for the dressing:
1 cup canola oil
2/3 cup bottled teriyaki sauce
2/3 cup white wine vinegar
6 T. sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

1.  combine dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth.
2.  mix dressing with cooked pasta in a medium bowl and marinate for two hours.
3.  combine remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl, add pasta and dressing, and toss. enjoy! everyone will love it!

xo

8 comments:

  1. yum! i love all of those things. i'll have to write this one down to try :) spring (and/or summer) makes me so super happy. it just makes life better all around, doesn't it? PS we're thinking about heading to SF for a little getaway in the next couple of months....i might hit you up for some suggestions :)

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    1. ahh! so fun, please hit me up for any suggestions..and if we are around, we'd love to get together! XO

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  2. ahh! so fun, please hit me up for any suggestions..and if we are around, we'd love to get together! XO

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  3. Amazing!! This looks delish!! I'll have to try and make this sometime soon!!

    xo
    Rachel

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  4. Yummm! We'll have to try it!! On a side note... I had no idea your dad was the one attacked by the bear! He spoke at a fireside I went to in high school! He's one amazing man!!

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    1. oh really? haha yep that's him! love that..small world! you two are the cutest! XO

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  5. Hi! I am excited to bring this dish to pass at a BBQ tomorrow. I was planning on putting this together this afternoon, except for the spinach; this will be added tomorrow.

    Is this a good way to prepare for the next day or will it not matter when I add the spinach? I do not want it to get overly wet.

    Thanks for the great recipe:)

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    1. hi! so happy you're going to make this for the 4th! it will be perfect!
      yes-- when i make it i do the same thing ahead of time, leaving the spinach out. it is so yummy if you marinade the pasta/chicken in the sauce, then add the spinach in tomorrow! enjoy! xo

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