Italian bread salad Recipe

1=lb. crusty country-style bread
1/3 C minced red onion
OR
3-4 scallions, chopped
4 C (about 2 lbs.) chopped ripe tomatoes
1 med. sized cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 C (packed) torn basil leaves
1/3 C chopped Italian parsley
1 C pitted, chopped olives (optional)
1 C ricotta salata or feta cheese, crumbled
2 tsp. minced garlic
4-6 T olive oil (to taste)
3-4 T wine vinegar (to taste)
big pinch of salt (omit if using feta cheese)
pepper to taste

Note: Ricotta Salata is a dry, crumbly cheese similar to feta, but less salty.