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Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad

Our Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad features vibrant mandarin oranges, tart cranberries, and a flavorful teriyaki dressing. This refreshing and unique recipe is a delicious twist on a classic pasta salad!

Asian bowtie pasta salad with chow mein noodles on white square platter.

Whether you’re a pasta lover or an Asian cuisine enthusiast, this Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad is sure to become a new favorite in your family’s recipe collection.

With its colorful variety of fresh vegetables, flavorful toppings, and a delectable dressing, this salad is the perfect side for your next backyard BBQ or family dinner!

This recipe works because it’s:

  • Easy to make. There are only a few minutes of cooking required, and the rest of the dish involves measuring and stirring.
  • Bursting with flavor. The mix of sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients makes this dish a delight for the palate.
  • Customizable. You can easily add or remove ingredients to your liking. Feel free to add extra garnishes and toppings as you wish (see several ingredient suggestions below).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Labeled photo with different bowls of ingredients for Asian bowtie pasta salad.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 8 ounces bowtie pasta according to the package directions.

Once the pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

Drained bowtie pasta in silver colander.

While the pasta is cooking, add ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce, ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to a mason jar or dressing bottle. Cover and shake well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Labeled photo of different bowls of Asian salad dressing ingredients.

Add the 4 cups baby spring mix, ⅓ cup shredded carrots, ½ cup dried cranberries, ⅓ cup pine nuts, and 10.5 ounces canned mandarin oranges to a large bowl and toss together.

Different piles of salad ingredients in large bowl of fresh spinach.

Once the noodles have cooled, add them in a few at a time and toss them so they’re evenly distributed.

Top the salad with ⅓ cup chow mein noodles and serve with the teriyaki dressing.

Asian bowtie pasta salad with spinach, chow mein noodles, oranges, and carrots.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

Asian bowtie pasta salad with shredded carrots, chow mein noodles, and craisins.

To ensure that your bowtie pasta retains its shape and has a nice texture in the salad, cook it al dente according to the package instructions. Be sure to rinse it under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad is best enjoyed chilled. Allow the flavors to meld together by refrigerating the salad for at least an hour before serving. But don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to eat or the spinach will get soggy. We like to keep the dressing in a squirt bottle so everyone can add the amount they like before eating.

For an added touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or green onions to bring a burst of freshness to the dish.

If you want to turn the salad into a main dish, you can add your favorite proteins. Consider adding tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp.

You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and edamame.

If you’re out of certain ingredients consider these alternatives:

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FAQs

Two serving spoons in Asian bowtie pasta salad with oranges and cranberries.
What is Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad?


Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad combines bowtie pasta, colorful vegetables, and a delicious Asian-inspired dressing.

It’s a chilled pasta salad with a spinach base that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light main course, perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing lunch option.

What ingredients are typically used in Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad?


The ingredients commonly found in Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad include bowtie pasta, shredded or julienned vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and edamame, and sweet ingredients like Mandarin oranges and craisins.

The dressing often consists of soy or teriyaki sauce, vinegar, and garlic.

Can I customize the recipe to my dietary preferences?


Absolutely! Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. You can make it vegetarian or vegan by omitting any animal-based ingredients and using plant-based alternatives.

If you have gluten intolerance, you can substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Feel free to adjust the flavors and seasonings according to your taste preferences as well.

Can I make Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad in advance?


Yes, Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have melded together in the fridge.

Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving or a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to develop.

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Asian bowtie pasta salad with chow mein noodles on white square platter.

Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad

The Ashcroft Family Table
Our Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad features vibrant mandarin oranges, tart cranberries, and a flavorful teriyaki dressing. This refreshing and unique recipe is a delicious twist on a classic pasta salad!
4.06 from 35 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 356 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For the Salad

  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta, uncooked
  • 4 cups baby spring mix
  • cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • cup pine nuts
  • 10.5 ounces canned mandarin oranges, drained
  • cup chow mein noodles

For the Dressing

  • cup teriyaki sauce
  • cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  • While the pasta is cooking, add all of the dressing ingredients to a mason jar or dressing bottle. Cover and shake well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Add the baby spring mix, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and mandarin oranges to a large bowl and toss together. Add in the cooled noodles a few at a time and toss so they are evenly distributed.
  • Top the salad with the chow mein noodles and serve with the teriyaki dressing.

Video

Notes

Don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to eat or the spinach will get soggy. We like to keep the dressing in a squirt bottle so everyone can add the amount they like before eating.
For an added touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or green onions to bring a burst of freshness to the dish.
If you want to turn the salad into a main dish, you can add your favorite proteins. Consider adding tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and edamame.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 608mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1608IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg
Keyword asian bowtie pasta salad, asian pasta salad, asian salad
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4.06 from 35 votes (35 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating