my favorite bowtie pasta salad

this pasta salad is my #1 favorite. it's delicious, refreshing & dare i say, addicting. i can't stop eating it! my mother prepared this years ago, & i got a craving for it the other day when i rediscovered it on myrecipes. i made some slight modifications to fit my tastes & ingredient availability, so feel free to modify it as you wish.

• 3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard (i used dijon)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (i used leftover grilled chicken)
• 1 1/2 cups seedless red grapes, halved (omitted!)
• 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

bowl the pasta according to package directions. combine the first nine ingredients in a bowl & mix with a whisk. shred the chicken breasts, chop the red onions, chives & walnuts. combine all ingredients with the pasta & toss.

this is the perfect mid afternoon snack, side to a salad at lunch or side dish at dinner. i have found that this pasta salad can be enjoyed both warm & cold & with a variety of dishes to compliment it. i had it with a caesar salad yesterday & it was delicious. enjoy!

ps; an actual life update is coming soon! i've started classes again & i don't get home till 6 every day, & it's been busy seeing friends since i got back to tuscaloosa. i'm off to auburn for the weekend to spend time with the manfriend & then i'm back into the full swing of interning & class!