Make-Ahead Picnic Deli Sandwich

• sourdough bread, unsliced↗1 loaf

  use about a 1-pound loaf

• vinaigrette dressing1⁄2 cup

  purchased or homemade

• cucumber↗1⁄2 cup

  chopped finely

• firm tomatoes↗1

  chopped finely

• minced chives2 -3 tablespoons

  or use green onion

• sliced provolone cheese↗4 ounces

  or use Swiss

• green pepper↗1 small

  seeded and thinly sliced (about 12 thin slices)

• deli turkey↗9 ounces

  thinly sliced

• salami↗15 slices

  thinly sliced

• red onions↗6 slices

  can use more

• black pepper↗

  optional

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Using a serrated knife horizontally slice about 1-inch off the top of the bread loaf.

2. 2

   Pull the soft center from bottom half of the loaf, making a shell with about 1/2-inch thick walls (reserve the soft bread for another use).

3. 3

   In a bowl mix the vinaigrette dressing with chopped cucumber, tomato and chives.

4. 4

   Brush or spoon about half of the mixture evenly over the interior of the bread shell, also spooon enough dressing on the cut side of the loaf to moisten.

5. 5

   Layer the cheese slices, then bell pepper slices, turkey, salami and onion in the shell.

6. 6

   Sprinkle with black pepper if desired.

7. 7

   Drizzle any remaining dressing over the filling.

8. 8

   Set the bread top over filling.

9. 9

   Wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 3 hours or up to 1 day.

10. 10

    Unwrap and slice into desired portions.