Mandarin Pasta Salad

This is one of my favorite pasta salads. The colors are vibrant, the flavors are fresh. Perfect for a summer get-together.

(Isn't it summer yet?)

Mandarin Pasta Salad

Dressing
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, diced
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
2 tsp sugar

Mix well and refrigerate.

Salad
8 oz bowtie pasta, cooked
1/2 of a cucumber, seeded and sliced
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped red onion
6 oz. baby spinach
11 oz can mandarin oranges, well drained
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (350 for 8 minutes)
Toasted sesame seeds (optional, I think they go well with the sesame oil in the dressing)

Toss and serve immediately.

To make this salad more of a meal, add 2 cups cooked diced chicken.