Salami Salad

I'm always on the lookout for a unique salad. Especially when asked to take things to church for suppers and things like that, the same old same old simply won't do. So, this bread salad was perfect. And when I showed up at the church salad luncheon it was served at, my MIL informed me it was already gone and was the first thing to run out. Not bad!

Toasted-Bread Salad with Salami

1 loaf Italian bread, halved lengthwise and toasted

1 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

salt and pepper

4 large tomatoes, chopped

1 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and chopped

4 ounces deli-sliced salami, cut into thin strips

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1) In a large colander over a bowl or the sink, drizzle 1/2 cup water over the toasted bread to saturate. Squeeze the bread with your hands to remove any excess liquid, then crumble into bite-size pieces. Transfer to a large serving bowl and drizzle with 1/2 cup olive oil; season to taste with salt and pepper.

2) Add the tomatoes, cucumber and salami to the bread and toss to combine. Add the basil and drizzle the red wine vinegar and remaining 1/2 cup olive oil on top. Toss and season to taste with salt, pepper and more olive oil.

Recipe from Rachael Ray magazine site