Mandarin Pasta Salad

Okay, here is one that my sister-in-law, Lizz, made for us when we were in Grand Junction, that came from Pampered Chef. I made it the other night, forgot how good it was. Again, no complaints from a single family member and it got eaten up! The recipe actually calls for chicken but we just leave that out so I won't put it in the ingredient list.

Dressing:
1 tsp finely chipped and peeled fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/3 c. rice vinegar
1/4 c. orange juice (I used the juice of one fresh orange)
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1 envelope Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix
2 tsp sugar

Salad:
8 oz. uncooked bow-tie pasta (I couldn't find any so I used a different shape pasta)
1/2 sliced cucumber
1/2 c. diced red bell pepper
1/2 c. coursely chopped red onion
1 pckg. fresh baby spinach leaves (6 oz)
1 can mandarin orange segments, drained
1/2 c. sliced almonds, toasted

1. For dressing, mix all ingredients together and stir
2. For salad, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold running water. Place in large bowl.
3. Meanwhile, slice cucumber, dice red bell pepper, coursely chop onion and add to salad along with rest of ingredients. Pour dressing over salad and toss.