This salad taste like an antipasto ...yet serves like a salad. If you are entertaining and want to serve something simple yet impressive, this would be a great choice. Serve this salad with grilled chicken or steak, and a bottle of wine for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
1 loaf Italian bread, halved lengthwise and toasted
1 cup of olive oil, plus some for drizzling
salt and pepper
4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and chopped
4 ounces deli-sliced salami, cut into strips
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
In a large colander over a bowl or the sink, drizzle 1/2 cup water over the toasted bread to saturate. Squeeze the bread to saturate. Squeeze the bread with your hands to remove any excess liquid, then crumble into bite sized pieces.
Transfer to a large serving bowl and drizzle with 1/2 cup olive oil; season with salt and pepper to taste.
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 with salt and pepper and more olive oil.
