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

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; about 220 calories per serving.