Naked Pasta Salad
We call this a naked salad, because we give you the ingredients and let you decide the oil or vinegar -- naked until you "dress" it.
1/2 package of bow-tie pasta
2 big handfuls of spinach, torn into pieces
1 15 oz. can of mandarin oranges, drained
2 oz dried cranberries, soaked in warm water 10 minutes and drained
1/2 cup pepitos (dried pumpkin seeds) or other nuts or seeds
2 to 3 tablespoons your favorite Olive Oil*
2 to 3 tablespoons your favorite Balsamic Vinegar*
Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse until cool. Drain thoroughly and place in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss. Add oil and vinegar and toss again. Chill 1/2 hour.
* Some of our favorite combos are:
-Apricot Balsamic Vinegar/Basil Oil
-Honey Ginger Balsamic Vinegar/Persian Lime Oil
-Cranberry Pear Balsamic Vinegar/Unflavored Olive Oil