Panzanella Style Salad

Okay I know this doesn't look like your typical Panzanella because I didn't slice up the stale bread and incorporate it into the salad, but I've adapted this recipe to how we like it and called it Panzanella for so long now that I don't know what else to call it. So please don't criticize the name if you know your stuff. You can still chop up your bread and put it in the salad so it is traditional, I just don't like to because I like having leftovers.
This recipe we have been using for YEARS! At first, this was a "branching out of our comfort zone" recipe, but now it is a staple at our house.
One thing I like about this recipe is if you have leftovers (the main reason I don't like adding the bread to the salad) is that it tastes great the next day cold or slightly warmed up.


4-6 slices (3/4 inch thick) french bread for serving salad on top of
OR 4 (3/4-inch-thick slices) french bread bread, stale
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2  tomatoes, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 TBSP red onion, minced
Salt and pepper
2 TBSP red wine vinegar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons
5 Italian sausage links (1 pound)

1.Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the bread slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion and garlic; season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Let stand for 15 minutes.
3. Add the vinegar and 2 TBSP olive oil.
4. Place sausages on the grill and cook until done, roughly 10 minutes.
5. Remove sausages and allow to cool slightly.
6. While sausage is cooling prepare the bread. Brush the sliced bread with remaining 2 TBSP oil and place on grill (or use toaster oven) and allow to toast on each side. Remove bread and depending on whether you are going to incorporate it into the salad or just eat the salad on top of it, this is the point where you would chop it up into bite sized pieces and add it to your salad. Otherwise, leave it for serving.
7. Cut sausages in half lengthwise and then thickly slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces.
8. Add sausage to tomato mixture along with Parmesan cheese and basil. Stir to combine and enjoy!

**Randi's Side Notes**
~ Italian bread would also be a great addition over using the french bread.
~ Again if this is a true Panzanella, chop the bread up and mix it into the salad to soak up the flavors. The only reason I do not do this is because I always have leftovers and don't like the soggy bread.
This is what your salad would look like if you choose to do it as a true Panzanella. ------------>