PEASANT SALAD


ingredients

4 medium sized tomatoes
2/3 c. olive oil
2 medium cucumbers (about 10 oz. each)
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 large yellow pepper
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 medium sized red onion
1 (12 oz.) loaf Italian bread
1/4 c. lightly packed chopped basil leaves
1/2 c. Mediterranean olives
2 Tbsp. capers, drained
1 garlic clove, very finely chopped
fresh basil sprig (for garnish)

preparation

About 30 minutes before serving, cut tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow pepper and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Place vegetables in large bowl. Stir in chopped basil leaves, capers, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper.

Cut bread into 1-inch pieces. Add bread to vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat with dressing. Top salad with olives. Garnish with basil sprig. Makes 12 accompaniment servings. Has about 220 calories per serving.