Autumn Crunch Pasta Salad

• • 5 ounces fresh spinach (half a 10 ounce bag)

  • 1 and 1/2 cups dry small pasta

  • 3/4 cup chopped celery

  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries

  • 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges

  • 1 large Granny Smith Apple

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 1/3 cup pecans

  • Optional: Feta cheese

Dressing

• • 4 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

  • 2-4 tablespoons white sugar

  • 1/8 teaspoon each: paprika, onion powder

  • 1 tablespoon poppyseeds

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.

  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a food processor or blender combine the oil (the vegetable oil yields a richer and in my opinion better taste, but the olive oil is healthier and still tastes great), apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, sugar, (adjust — more or less to personal preference, we like a less sweet dressing and use about 2 tablespoons) paprika, and onion powder. Pulse or blend for about 10 seconds. Stir in the poppy seeds.

  3. Drain the pasta once it’s cooked through and immediately toss a few tablespoons of the dressing with the pasta. This helps the pasta soak in the dressing and the flavor.

  4. Chill the dressed pasta in the fridge.

  5. Meanwhile, combine the (washed and de-stemmed) spinach with the chopped celery in a large bowl. Add in the cranberries and a can of drained mandarine oranges.

  6. If desired peel the apple (We like to leave on the peel!) and then slice into thin slices. Toss with lemon juice and then add to the salad.

  7. Pour dressing over the salad and toss. Add in the completely cooled pasta and toss with the rest of the salad.

  8. If you want to toast the pecans, place them in a single layer in a dry saucepan (don’t add anything) over medium heat. Stir constantly until the nuts are barely fragrant — just a couple of minutes. Watch carefully as the nuts are VERY easily scorched/burned.

  9. Alternatively, you can candy the pecans if desired. Check the link in the last paragraph of the blog text for how to candy pecans.

  10. Top the salad with the pecans and feta cheese.

  11. Enjoy immediately.

NOTES

This salad (like most) aren’t very great leftover. If you aren’t eating this immediately, keep the ingredients separate from the dressing and only toss with the dressing right before eating. Top with pecans and feta after dressing the salad.