This has been one of my favorite salads for years! I made it for the Super Bowl and was reminded of how tasty it is, so I thought I would share. One of the best things about the salad is that you can do all the time consuming things the night before, and on the day of your dinner, shower, or party you can just throw the last few ingredients in…I have also made it without the chicken as a side dish and it is just as good. Enjoy!!
DRESSING
(sometimes I double this and save half of it in a separate jar, just in case we need a little more)
½ C. olive oil
1/3 C. light soy sauce
1/3 c. seasoned rice wine vinegar
1 t. sesame chili oil
3 T. Sugar
2 T. fresh grated gingerroot
1/2 t. pepper
SALAD
8 oz. pasta—cooked al dente and drained (we like bowtie pasta)
1/3 C. green onion
½ C. red bell pepper
3 C. cooked shredded chicken
½ C. cashews
¼ C. toasted sesame seeds
6 C. fresh baby spinach (approximately 12 oz)
Whisk together first seven ingredients (check the Asian aisle at the grocery store for most of the dressing items. If you have an Asian market close by, the items are much cheaper there). In a bowl layer cooked pasta, green onions and peppers. Pour dressing on top. Cover and refrigerate over night. Just before serving combine spinach, chicken, cashews and sesame seeds in a large bowl. Add pasta mixture and toss well.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Spinach Pasta Salad
Can I make this spinach pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes — that is what makes it so convenient. Layer the pasta, green onions, and peppers with the dressing and refrigerate overnight. Add the spinach, chicken, cashews, and sesame seeds and toss right before serving.
Can I make spinach pasta salad without chicken?
Yes. Leave the chicken out and serve it as a side dish — it is just as good. It works beautifully alongside a main course or on a potluck table.
Where do I find the dressing ingredients?
Check the Asian aisle of your grocery store for the soy sauce, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and sesame chili oil. If you have an Asian market nearby, those items are usually much cheaper there.
