Mandarin Pasta Salad & Bread Sticks

I had this salad the other day and it was delicious. I made bread sticks to go with it...Pillsbury Soft Bread Sticks...baked and then brushed with butter and parmesan cheese when they came out of the oven...delicious and incredibly easy! I couldn't find any to buy in the store that morning, so tried these in a pinch and was amazed at how good they were!

1 inch piece fresh gingerroot

1 clove garlic, pressed

1/3 c rice vinegar or white wine vinegar (I used the latter)

1/4 cup orange juice

1 tsp. sesame oil ( the secret ingredient..a must)

1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix

2 tsp. sugar

8 oz bow tie pasta, cooked

1 long english cucumber

1 red pepper (or combine orange or yellow peppers)

6 oz baby spinach

1/2 c chopped red onion

1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained

2 c. diced cooked chicken

1/2 c sliced almonds, toasted

Dressing

Do not peel the gingerroot...just grate on a fine grater, and then put it in your hand and squeeze as much juice as you can out of the pulp and only use the juice...for flavor without the bite. Combine, ginger juice, garlic, vinegar, orange juice, oils, sugar and onion soup mix...mixing well with whisk, put in fridge until ready to use.

Salad

Thinly slice cuke and peppers and chop the red onion. Combine with spinach, chicken, mandarins, and pasta in large bowl. Pour dressing over top and mix well. Sprinkle with toasted almonds. Very pretty salad and very delicious. Serve immediately. Double this salad and serve about 15 or so folks!