Recipe: Spicy Gazpacho Pasta Salad

SPICY GAZPACHO PASTA SALAD

VINAIGRETTE:
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced finely
PASTA SALAD:
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
2 fresh, ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 medium cucumber, pared, seeded and chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
6 green onions, chopped finely
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Lettuce leaves (optional)
Spicy croustades (optional)

Combine olive oil, wine vinegar, hot pepper sauce and garlic in large bowl. Whisk together until blended. Set aside.

Bring chicken broth to boil in medium pan. Add orzo, stirring constantly until mixed well. Cook 10-12 minutes or until tender.

Drain excess liquid. Add orzo to vinaigrette and toss gently. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green onions and parsley. Toss gently.

Cover and chill 1 hour. Serve over lettuce leaves.

SPICY CROUSTADES:
Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce in small bowl. Arrange 6 slices bread on baking sheet. Brush with olive oil/hot pepper sauce mixture.

Broil 3-4 inches from heat until golden brown. Turn and brush with remaining sauce; broil until golden. If desired, trim crusts and cut into triangles.

Servings: 6 servings