Turn an ordinary outing into an extraordinary picnic with this Easy Mediterranean Picnic Sandwich. It takes only minutes to assemble, but you will need to prepare it ahead of time as it needs to chill awhile to allow the flavors to blend. It’s perfect for your next tailgate party.

Easy Mediterranean Picnic Sandwich

Fig-Olive Filling:
8 ounces figs, stems removed
1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, seeds removed
1/3 cup pitted and chopped Kalamata olives
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil (OR 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons capers, drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sandwich:
1 24-ounce round sourdough, French or Italian bread, unsliced
1/2 pound sliced deli turkey
1/2 pound sliced deli turkey ham
1/4 pound sliced provolone

For the Fig-Olive Filling: Thinly slice figs. Combine with remaining filling ingredients; set aside.

To assemble the sandwich: Cutting horizontally, remove top third of loaf. Hollow out bottom portion of loaf, leaving a 1-inch shell. Pack filling into bottom of loaf, reserving about 3 tablespoons of liquid.

Brush liquid on cut side of top. Layer sliced turkey, turkey ham and Provolone over filling. Replace top of bread loaf.

Wrap in airtight plastic bag. Place loaf upside down in refrigerator. Weigh it down with 5 pounds (such as bag of sugar) and refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours.

To serve, turn up-right and cut into wedges.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe from: The Valley Fig Growers and the National Turkey Federation