Fun Monday - the potluck version

Our hostess this week is Sayre, the smiling one. She would like to know" What is your favorite cook-out food and/or recipe? OR What special dish are you known for at gatherings of family or friends?" This is a new favorite potluck recipe for me. I have made it twice in the last two weeks after finding it at "A Taste of Home". I grew up in California and spent a lot of time in family owned Italian restaurants. This tastes like summer to me, and also reminds me of the tomatoes my mom used to get. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound sourdough bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-1/2 pounds tomatoes (about 8 medium), chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and quartered
• 1 cup thinly sliced roasted sweet red peppers
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup Greek olives, quartered
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained
• DRESSING:
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 3 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh marjoram or 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Directions

• In a large bowl, toss bread with oil and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake at 450° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool to room temperature.
• In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, basil, onion, olives, capers and bread.
• In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings.

Recipe and photo courtesy of "A Taste of Home".

PS: I did use fresh basil but dried spices for the oregano, etc. Also, I added browned Italian sausage (out of the casing) to make it a main dish for church on Sunday. It was VERY good!